Gippsland Times Tuesday June 25 2024

No.275 Intermediate Pilot Pilot Course Trainees PLTOFF Trai es Christopher Wettenhell and PLTOFF Freya Swinbourne officially Swinbo ne earned their Wings earnedtheir at the Pilots Course Cour Graduation at RAAF Base East Sale last last week.

Flynn’s mega “eyesore” solar farm

Philip Hopkins

AGORMANDALEmanhaslosthisappeal againsttheproposedfive-megawattFlynn

solar farm and now fears his property will lose value due to his new neighbour -and he has no avenue for afurther appeal.

The solar farm being developed by BNRGLeeson on a16-hectareparcel of landatGormandalehasreceivedapermit togoaheadfromtheMinisterforPlanning, SonyaKilkenny, but Paul Tabone, who lives at 1482 Hyland Highway next to the solarsite, saidinhis objection that the project "impacts my property and my way of life".

"The solar farm will inhibit my view from my house as Isit abovethe wind farm. The panels will be 250-300 metres from my house," he said.

MrTabonesaidwhenheboughthishouse in2003,theviewwasamazing,lookingout at the farm land and mountain ranges.

"Therewerenohousesincloseproximity

and with amazing view this was the reason why Ipurchasedmyproperty. My property has been ahaven for me and my family," he said.

"I frequently sit out under the verandah and look out at the amazing view, to de-stress and relax. With the proposed solar farm, Iwill be looking down at the solarpanelsand battery, which will be an eyesore. There has been aproposal for a barrier so Idon't see the panels, but now Iwill be looking at the barrier and not my extended full view."

MrTabonesaidthevalueofhisproperty would fall due to the solar farm. Two real estate agents confirmed his property would be devalued and harder to sell in the future.

"The viewand surrounding farmland has beenthe No 1selling point for my property.Also,whowantstolivenextdoor to asolar farm so close to your house?!" he said.

Mr Tabone said theproposed battery

for the project was close to his property and apotential hazard.

"I have asafetyconcern. If the battery catches fire, willmyfamilybeatrisk?" he said.

Another reason for his objection was the noise and traffic during construction and theongoingmaintenanceofthesolarfarm.

"As my house is higher than the proposed solar farm, Ihave found thatnoise travels uphillveryeasily. With the increase noise and traffic, this willimpact my peace and quiet at my property," he said.

BNRGLeesonisajointventurebetween an Irishsolar companyand an Australian renewablesdeveloper.Theprojectincludes a10megawatt-hour battery and will plug into existing powerlinesacross the Highland Hwy.

An executive in theDepartment of Transport and Planning, in aletter to Mr Tabone, said the assessment of the FlynnprojectincludedissuesraisedbyMr Tabone. The permitincluded conditions

requiringanupdatedlandscapeandvisual impact assessmenttoreduce the visual impacts of the solar farm.

The conditionsalso require arisk management planand emergencyplan meeting CFA guidelines. Permit conditions also regulate noise compliance.

BNRG'sproject manager, Annabel Young, said the fiveMWsolar farm consisted of about 10,000 solar panels which would take up about 13 hectares of the 16ha land.

"This is due to fire breaks around the site as well as leaving sufficient space to allow for paddocking of sheep underneath the panels," she said.

To shield the viewsfrom the neighbouring property, Ms Young said BNRG had had the visual impact modelled by an independent consultant and had offered landscape screening so that the location would minimise any impact.

Continued -Page3

Staying connected with support

TELSTRA hasannounced it will be providing around 12,000 of its most disadvantaged, elderly or remote customers across the country with anew handset, to ensure they’re able to stay connected after the 3G closure. The initiative has been rolled out ahead of the 3G network closure on August 31, 2024 and is aimed to support those who need it most.

Many of these customers are over 80-years-old and in difficult situations such as dealingwith

 Maffra Bowls Club will hold their monthly Soup and Sandwich lunch tomorrow, Wednesday, June 26. The cost is $8 for lunch and an extra $5 to play indoor bowls. The lunch begins at 11.30am and the bowls will start at 1pm.

Booking is essentialtoplay bowls. For thoseplaying indoorbowls only, names should be phonedthrough on the day by 12.30pm for a1pm start. Please phone the Club on 5147 1974 or Joy on 0438 456 875.

 Maffra Neighbourhood House will be closed for the school holidays from 3.30pm on Friday, June 28, and will re-open on Monday, July 15 at 9am.

The Term Three brochure willbedelivered to letterboxes during the holidays and can also be viewed on Facebook.

financial hardship or recovering from anatural disaster. Some of these customers also depend on aworking phone because they are living with alife-threatening medical condition (Telstra’s ‘Priority Assistance’ customers).

MajorBrendan Nottle from The Salvation Army welcomed the news.

"This initiative will benefit the most vulnerable members of our community," he said.

"Connection is one of the most important things to maintain in our society, whether it is with friends and family or with housing and support services.

“Ensuring that every Australian,from any background or levelofincome, can take part in our modern digital society is crucial.

"A phone can be agateway to social inclusion, community connection and support, and with the upcoming closureof3Gnetworks in Australia it is important for us to reach out and ensure that this can continue for everyone.”

Back in April, Telstra launched an SMS tool to check if your phone needs an upgrade ahead of the switch -SMS ‘3’ to 3498 to check if your phone needs an upgrade ahead of the 3G shutdown.

Optus will be shutting down its 3G network on September 1, and Vodafonehas already turnedoff their 3G coverage.

Telstra is offering complimentary handsets to customers stillusing 3G phones

Photo:Contributed

All access ability along V/Line trains

V/LINE hasimplemented an initiativefor passengers with mobility aidstobook an accessible space on long-distance reserved train services.

The scheme began on May 30, allowing passengers to book an accessible space through the V/Line website, their local staffed V/Line station, premium MetroStation,ticketagent, or by calling 1800 800 007.

The new initiative will roll out across all longdistance reserved trains on the V/Line network, includingBairnsdale, Warrnambool, Swan Hill, Shepparton,and Albury services.

Priority seats near accessible spaces will be available to passengers, who would like to be seated afterparking their mobility aid, which will also be available to mobility aids..

Passengerswithmobilityaidswill continue to be able to travel on an unreversed ticket where there is space available. If there’s no space available, alternate transport will be organised.

Pre-booking an accessible space ahead of time provides passengers with greater certainty for their journey and allows V/Line staff to be better prepared to provide assistance if required.

Sale Medical’s new practice

SALE MedicalCentre has announced the introduction of in-clinicIUD (IntrauterineDevice)insertion services,offering women in our communitya low-cost and accessible alternative to the more expensive options available elsewhere.

The medical centresaidthe initiative underscoredits commitment to providingcomprehensive and affordable reproductive health care for all women

"The IUDisahighly effective, long-term contraceptive option that is both safe and convenient," the centre said in amedia release.

"Recognising the need for affordable reproductive health services in our community,Sale Medical Centre has dedicated resources to ensure that our patients have access to expert care without the burden of high costs."

Nurse Practitioner Rachel Hawkes-Bennett and Dr Aveline Loh are providing the service from June 2024 onwards.

"We understand that the costofreproductive

health services can be asignificant barrier for many women," said Ms Hawkes-Bennett.

"By offering in-clinic IUD insertions, we're making it easier for womentotake control of their reproductive health with asafeand cost-effective solution."

IUDs are over99per centeffective at preventing pregnancy and can last between three to eight years, depending on the type. They require minimal maintenance and are areversible form of contraception, allowing womentoplan their families on their own terms.

"We are excited to offerthisservice to the women of our community," added Dr Loh.

"It’s aboutempowering women with choices that are both affordable and reliable."

Appointments for IUD insertion are now available. To book an appointment or to learn more visit salemedical.com.au or call 5144 5766.

Flynn solar panel farm brings local concern

From Page 1

QUERIED how 'de-glaring' reduced the glare of thesolar panels, thecompany saidphotovoltaic panelsare designedtoabsorbsunlight and convert it to electricity.

"Minimising the light reflected from the panels is agoal of panel design, manufacture, and installation.The dark,non-reflective nature of asolar array is generally consideredtohelp minimise their visual contrast with the surrounding landscape," Ms Young said.

"Because our project has trackers, the panels will

follow the sun ensuring the panel surfaces remain mostly perpendicular to the angle of the sun. Therefore, glare or glint impacts on surrounding areas is unlikely. We have independently assessed all roads and dwellings within aone kilometre radius and confirmed that there will be no glare. The site is almost entirely screened from the road as well to prevent distraction from road users."

The battery is alikely to be atwo-hour, 10 MWh battery. "The battery will be used to absorb some of the solar energysothat theenergy can be discharged to the grid during peak demand times in the evening and morning. The battery also

will be able to provide abackuppower supply in outages, as well as voltage and frequency support to the network," Ms Young said.

On the issue of fire-fighting, Ms Young said the site had been designed and would operateincompliance with the CFA’s Design Guidelines and Model Requirements for Renewable Energy Facilities.

"The guidelinesrequire thingssuch as maintained fire breaks around the facility and large water storage tanks. The permit has been reviewed and endorsed by the CFA," she said.

The spokeswoman emphasised that the company had undertaken multiple community engagement

activities to engage with the neighbours and communityaswell as listentotheir concerns. This included adrop-in session, print advertising and letter drops. The company estimates that up to 50 people would be on site during construction. "Ongoing jobs will be 5-10 jobs depending on the maintenance program," she said.

Constructiontime mainlydepends on the grid permit "for which we are working with AusNet to obtain", Ms Young said. "We anticipate to commence construction at the end of the year. Construction will take six-to-eight months," she said.

AFTER asocial media post went viral,

Jersey found themselves in the

media spotlight after revealing that Coles will remove alltheir milkfromnearly 70 stores,

leaving them available in just 16, by the end of this month.

"The brand is being delisted fromthe majority of Colesstores due to the retailer's margin requirements and sales expectations.”

“We are bitterly disappointed that Coles supermarket has asystem that we believe doesn’treally work for little brands like us.

“We’ve tried hard but we just don’t have the big advertisingbudgets and profitabilityto‘go on sale’ and drop our pants on giving them more margin and we certainly won't be going broketrying to appease

them," Gippsland Jersey co-founders Sallie Jones and Steve Ronalds said on Facebook. The company said they're now on aquest to find new stores and milk lovers who will embrace the treasured Gippsland brand. Coles told the ABC:"We remain committed to continuingtosupport independent and local producers, and from July, we will focus on selling Gippsland Jersey in 16 stores in Victoriawhere we see most demand for this local brand from customers."

Nurse Practitioner Rachel Hawkes-Bennett.

Photo: Contributed

Gippsland

Gippsland Jerseyco-founders Sallie Jones andSteve Ronalds.

Photo: Facebook

Keeping moneyawayfromscammers

Erika Allen

BARELY aweek goes by without aheadline aboutavictim being scammed outoftheir savings. Barelyaweekgoes by without receivingascamphonecall or textmessagethat

could be the reason those savings are stolen.

LOCALS are taking advantage of afree interactive education tool to enhance their digital literacy as Australians lose billions of dollars to scams.

Sally Castle, who is an instructional designer and manager of the learning management system at Central GippslandHealth in Sale, createdan interactive scenario-based e-learning tool called ‘It’s not funny! don’t lose your money!’, after seeing the distress herelderlymother experiencedasa scamvictim

“This was apretty big problem that was coming up in ourfamilybecause my mum had been scammed several times and justseeing the distress she experienced…I thought if Icreated asimple to use, clear, interactive e-learningcourse that she could actually practise hanging up on scammers, practise getting dodgy calls, practise getting scam texts andthenfollowingthe steps to actually prevent herself from sharing thatinformation. It would build up her skills for real life,” she said. Sally said the online program, which she spent over five months planning and creating, takes “dull” information about how to avoid scams and allows users to act out real life situations.

“It’s flipping the model; insteadofgiving information, you’re actually encouraging the learnertoseek information when (and if) they need it,” Sally said. Like a‘choose your own adventure’ simulation, users play acharacter that is presented with three potential scams, including two text messages and aphone call.

“The benefit of when you create an e-learning course that is scenario-based… (is it’s encouraging) people to practise doing what they need to do in a real life situation,but without the real life situation risks if they make amistake,” Sally said. Now, she is sharingthe e-learning tool with community houses across Gippsland for free.

In April this year, the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission released its latest scam activity report (2023). It found scam phone calls contributed to the highest losses -$116million out of atotal $2.74 billion lost last year. However, the lucrative activity is ever evolving. Scam calls arejustone avenueAustralians are losing money; losses to social media scams increased by 16 per centand text messages were the most reported form of contact in 2023.

The first time Gippsland resident Eleanor Castle was scammed, she was targeted by atext message claiming she needed to put some money into Centrelink and that she was being paid too much on her pension.

The 83-year-old said she accepted it and followed the process because she depends on that money.

“I don’t even look to see if it’s (pension) in each fortnight but you are still dependent on that and living within that,” she said.

After calling the number,she recalled being “very clearly”guided through the process. While Eleanor said she felt suspicious,ithad alreadygone too far. Constant warnings about new scams and tips to stay safe from cybercriminals are everywhere. Organisations like Scamwatch and the ACCC have no shortage of resources too.

So why are people still getting scammed? And in particular, people aged over 65.

The ACCC’s report showed people aged over 65 were more likely to lose money than any other age group. While monetary losses went down for every other age demographic,older people lost$121 million to scams in 2023, a13per cent increase from 2022.

When an unknown caller ID or mysterious text message with alinklightsupyour phone, do you

stoptothink it could be ascammer waiting to swindle your money away?

To some,stopping or ignoring them may be common sense. The ACCC’s adviceis‘STOP,CHECK, andREPORT’:

 STOP -Don’t rush to act because scammers will create asense of urgency.

 CHECK -Ask,could this message or call be fake, and who is really on the other end? If unsure, talk to afriend or family member before providing money or personal information.

 REPORT -Act quickly if something feels wrong and help others in the community by reporting it to Scamwatch.

However, experts are calling scams an epidemic in an evolving technological landscape, where both older and younger Australians arestruggling to adapt to emergingtechnologies.This is according to Dr Kam-Fung(Henry) Cheung, who is aLecturer in the school of Information Systems and Technology at the University of New South Wales.

At the time the ACCC’s scam report was released, Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe called scammers “financial criminals”that use “advanced technology and psychology” to rob Australians.

Dr Cheung said this can look like exploiting emotional triggers by creating asense of urgency, fear, or excitement that limits victimsobjective thinking to ‘STOP, CHECK, REPORT’.

Investmentscams, often characterised by ‘get rich quick’ and ‘once in alifetime’ schemes play into excitement. They were the most common scam in 2023, costing Australians $1.5 billion.

Other scams thatcreatea senseoffearand urgency like tax time SMS or emails the Australian Taxation Office has released warnings about prior to the end of financial year, or tax debt scams, direct people to fake myGovsign-inpages designed to steal usernames and passwords.

While warnings about scams and steps to take to avoid them abound, Sally said the information is dull to read and ultimately not accessible for many people.

“Inthe industry it’s called information dumps, where they just put alot of words on ascreen and people are expected to read that information, a) understand it and then apply knowledgeto behaviour,” she said.

The ACCCsays being scammed is never the victim’s fault.

Dr Cheung told the GippslandTimes older Australians are more susceptible to sophisticated scam tactics because of heightened trust in authority and limited exposure to digital literacy education.

Sallynoted her mother Eleanor “tends to believe” people whocall or text, claiming they’re from MyGov, the bank, or the ATO.

“That tends to be our culture and her age group…

and that’s also ahighly emotional situation where your cognition is challenged, so it’s harder for you to stop and think because someone is pressuring you,” she said.

Dr Cheung also said low technological literacy could hinder olderAustralians'absorption of information, leaving them vulnerable. An ACCC spokespersontold the GippslandTimes people over the age of 75 have reported declining levels of cyber ability over the last three years.

“TermslikeAI, Big Data, and Cybersecurity are frequently heard, yet many people may not fullygrasp theirmeanings or implications,” Dr Cheung said.

On subsequent occasions Eleanor encountered scams, she said it became easier to discern if they were fake.

“The next couple of times, you start to wake up that this is (a scam). Ican’t be bothered following (because)you’reonthe phone for about halfand hour. But then you’re on the phone for about half and hour for anything you query with the government or big companies like Telstra or anything, so youget abit sick of it,” Eleanor said.

Although Eleanor has not lost any money because herbank intervened quickly, she said she felt“very very stupid and lost alot of confidence”.

“I didn’t tell anybody at the start,” she said.

“After the first time Ijust didn’ttell anyone because Ithought ‘Oh, goodness me, my children aregoing to think I’m incapable of managing’, and whichI am not not capable of managing.”

But speaking up is necessary. Caroline Trevorrow is the manager at the Heyfield Community Resource Centre where Sally recently hosted an ‘It’s not funny! don’t lose your money!’ session.

Ms Trevorrow said the community house often hearsinstancesofpeople encountering scams in conversation.

“Scammers are getting smarter and the frequency of people getting messages is more common now, so you hear it kind of every week.”

She said scam information sessions are sought after, calling the ‘It’snot funny!don’tlose your money!’ program “relevant” and “worthwhile”.

“A lot of older people in the community are kind of terrified of technology and they process things in adifferent way that younger people do, so they like to talk to people about it and they like to talk to peoplethathave had experiences aboutitand then that gives them credibility,” Ms Trevorrow said.

Today, Eleanor is not afraid to share her experiences with friends.

“Nowthat Ihaveshown (the e-learningprogram) to acouple of my friends just because I’m so proud of Sally that they have said ‘Oh yes it’s happened to us’.”

“It’s clear and it’s simple, and I’ve shown it to acouple of my friends and also they feel that it’s

just clear and simple, nothing complicated about any of it,” Eleanor said.

Ms Trevorrow agreed based on community feedback from the Heyfield Community Resource Centre session.

“A lot of the feedback from the participants was that you don’t have to have an academic degree to understand the language, it’s plain language, it’s easy to understand, it was an interactive experience which they really liked,” she said.

“I would encourage other centres to pick it and when it is offered in other community’s I’d encourage people to take it up because it’s not just another scam session, it’s interactive, it’s relevant, and it’s definitely worthwhile.”

When asked what advice Eleanor would say to others, she highlighted that speakingupand being open meansother people can be protected from scams.

“Be open about it, to not feel ashamed and to be open about it with each other.Because, if you’re open about it with each other it won’t happen to them.”

Sally is hosting the following ‘It’s not funny! don’t lose your money!’ sessions at:

 Sale Neighbourhood House on Wednesday (tomorrow), June 26, 12pm -1pm

 Leongatha Community House on Tuesday, July 16, 1pm -2pm.

 Rosedale Neighbourhood House on Tuesday, July 30, 10.30am -11.30am

 Seaspray General Store on Wednesday, July 31 10.30am -11.30am.

 Maffra Neighbourhood House on Monday, August 12, 10.30am -11.30am

The sessions take approximately one hour, and include:

 Introduction and the story behind why I designed thiseLearning experience.

 Get some input from the participants about their experiences with scams

 Go through the eLearning experience together on the bigscreen (of if they have their own devices and headphones -individually)

 Discussion on what they will do differently now, now that they have had achanceto practise online

 Reminder of what to do immediately after they realise they have been scammed.

To use the 'It's not funny! Don't lose yourmoney!' e-learning tool scan the QR code.

To report acybercrime, incident or vulnerability:https://www.cyber.gov.au/ or visit https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

To get helpafter falling victim to ascam: IDCARE at https://www.idcare.org/ or phone: 1800 595 160

Sally took thefreee-learning tooltoHeyfield Community House ResourceCentrerecently Photo: Sally Castle

Dr Greg Steele

Dr Reeha Nandha

Theday we moved Sale Cenotaph

Tassie Deacon

THE event took place on abeautiful day in March 1963.

The sunwas shining and alarge crowdgathered at the intersection of Foster and Raymond streets in Sale to see what all the commotion was about.

There was RAAF airmen Corporal Bob Henry and the author Leading Aircraftman Tassie Deacon both from Maintenance Squadron RAAF Base East Sale with alarge newColes Diesel Electric crane, amodern type of crane purchased by the RAAF for the purpose of aircraft engine changes.

Cpl Henry was driving the prime mover, and LAC Deacon was operating the crane. As they were both Maintenance Squadron EngineFitters, we were experienced andapprovedoperators of this new pieceofstate of the art equipment. Their senior NCO, Sergeant Keith Frost was in charge, keeping an educated eye on things -ashealways did.

The taskwas to remove the Cenotaph fromits site at the intersection of Foster St and Raymond St and place it in its present location at the Sale Memorial Hall.

It was not going to be an easy matter as it had never been moved before in this manner.

There was no other crane in the district capable of such adelicate manoeuvre and this new RAAF machine was to prove ideal for the job.

The City of Sale council had called for help and the RAAF responded accordingly.

The Cenotaph was to be moved in three sections, firstly the top piece consisting of the statue, secondly the intermediate section made up of the four granite columns, and finally the base section

complete with the inscribed plaques- threelifts that required delicate manoeuvring.

There couldn’t be any slip ups so the job was discussed at length.

Most importantly was to identify the one person who was to givethe signals. The planning had been carefully put togetherbythe City of SaleEngineers Dept, RAAF Transport Section, and Sale Police. Members of the Sale RSL Sub Branch were on hand to scrutinise the move.

In aregimented fashion, the lifting gear was selected for use,key people were in position and all was in readiness.

Cpl Henry positionedthe crane adjacent to the Cenotaph and LACDeacon lowered the hook above the statue. The City Engineers Dept. people attached the lifting rigging and gave the signal to lift.

She lifted beautifully, straight up, just how we wanted it. The load was slewed and lowered onto a waiting Dyers flat top where it was firmly secured fortransport to the Memorial Hall site.

The column section came away nicely without a hitch and it too was lowered onto another waiting truck.

The basesection was muchheavier to liftand more complicated to move.

CplHenrybacked thecrane up close to the base

Because of the extra weight it was necessary to raise the boom to almost vertical to bring the angle into the correct lift range to accommodate raising the big weight. The rigging had to be changed a number of times before the signal to lift was given. Up it came slowly, one inch at atimeuntil it was aboutametre above the ground.

The planwas to drive the crane slowly around to thenew site with the load still on the crane hook and with four tag lines attached to stop it swaying. This was the slowest part of the procedure but all went ahead as planned even though there were many concerned people looking on with trepidation. One slip up and the result would have been aheap of rubble.

The 'rubber neckers' in Raymond St. were in awe, the GippslandTimes photographers and reporters were racing around, and Sale Policewere busy keeping the route clear.

About 45 minutes later Cpl Henry backed the crane into the Memorial Hall courtyard where the crowd of onlookers had built up substantially. Theywere readytolowerthe base structure on to a prepared site. This was the easy part, but the City Engineers had afew problems getting the structure plumb -however they were prepared for this as there wasnot going to be anotheropportunity, this had to be it.

Next was the column section, which was landed exactly on the base where it had been previously. Finally, the statue was raised and delicately placed on top of the structure where it was to be grouted into place. Afinal check for vertical positioning and the City Engineer gave his okay.

Following around of applause, the airmen were able to secure the equipment and moved the crane off the site. This had been agood team effort and called for acouple of well earned 'coldies'inthe mayor’s room. Later theyheadedoff backout to the RAAF Base -mission accomplished. It is hard to believe that the job took place about 50 years ago, but every time the author now looks at the Cenotaph the memories of that day rush back to him.

This article was printed in the RSL Magazine The Oracle in 2008.

DannyO’Brien,DarrenChester,Ross Jackson, Former RAAFservice woman and current vice president of theSaleRSL KylieWillmont, Gippsland Veteran’s CentrechairmanMichael Page OAM, WGCDR Pete Ferris CO 30SQN at the Cenotaph’s Centenary on June15.

Photos: Contributed

In 1963,the City of Sale EngineersDept, RAAF Transport Section, andSale Police and members of the Sale RSL Sub Branch put their heads togethertomove the Cenotaphtoits current position on McAlister Street

Blue Tree conversation starter

ErikaAllen

BLUE-PAINTED trees have been popping up across Australiasince 2018,with 1196trees painted as part of the Blue Tree Project to promote mental health awareness and honour people lost to suicide.

The project originated in Western Australiaand has flourished into acharity.

The organisation says, “The symbol of the blue tree now holds awhole newmeaning for so many. Acting as asource of conversationthat helps save lives, the blue trees are visual reminders to check in on loved ones and mates who might be struggling”.

The Blue Tree Project aims to spark difficult conversations and encourage people to speak up when experiencing mental health concerns. Blue trees, which can be found on every continent except Antarctica, serve as symbols of hope and conversation catalysts.

Thereare two registered locations in the Wellington Shire,includingMaffraSecondary College and Sale Primary School.

It was on abus tour in Western Australia when Sale PrimaryprincipalChrisMalonefirst came across theBlueTreeProject.Its prominence in the landscape sparked aconversation and its significance sparked the idea to bring it home.

“It was something new and different that we hadn’tseen andIhadn’tbefore, andcoming off the back of COVID and other tough times people have had in the community, it was something that we thoughtwas agood idea,”MrMalone said. He said the project was an opportunity to “reclaim” atree that had died in the schoolyard.

“We had atree at school in avery prominent spot that unfortunately died and (we) thought it would be agood idea to reclaim it and create it as abit of centrepiece and atalking point in that spot of the school where people come in.”

Sale Primary’sBlue Treewas debarked by studentsand painted at thestart of the year. It has been an organic talking point of curious parents and utilised by staff ever since. Mr Malone called it a“centrepiece” in the school yard that students, parents and visitors can see the tree as they use the entrance on Dundas Street.

He said the intention project was explained to the school’s 480 students, about 50 staff, and acouple hundred parents at an assembly.

Mr Malone said Sale Primaryprides itself on promoting wellbeing.

“As part of our respectful relationships program and our wellbeing program at school in regards to knowingyourself andunderstanding triggers and understanding feelingsand emotions, (the Blue Tree Project has) certainly been referred to and used across the school at staff meetings, at school closuredayswhenwe’ve had experts in from outside of the school to talk to staff about it.

“It’s something that has been easy referred to in regards to that conversation starter and ‘it’s okay if you don’t feel okay’.”

In asimilarway, Maffra Secondary College VCE students championed the Blue Tree Project “knowing that Gippsland has had to battle through some of the toughest times in the past five years”, the school posted on its Facebook page. This project was completed in October2023after students sourced, cleaned, painted and relocated aBlueTree in the garden outside the Science and Technology wing of the college.

Recently, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester joined East Gippsland residents in painting trees at Lakes Entranceaspart of alocal Blue Tree Project. Mr Chester said he was proudtosupportthe community-led initiative.

Toni’s truly personal story

Toni Mackay

IDON'T usually share my cancer experience for many reasons, mostly becauseIdon’t want it to define me or my life, however, in themonth of March, Idecided to participate in aBowel Cancer Australia campaign to raise awareness of the prevalence of Bowel Cancer in young women like myself and the importance of early detection.

The importance of listening to your body and if something doesn’tfeel right cannot be overstated. Advocate for yourself and demand diagnostic testing.

Prior to my diagnosis Ihad been experiencing issues with my bowelsfor around18months, and after multiple presentations to my GP she diagnosed me with IBS.

Iwas never offered ascan or acolonoscopy becauseBowel Cancer is an oldmansdisease, right?

Iwas diagnosedwith Bowel CancerinApril 2023 at age 46 after apresentation to A&E with excruciating stomach pain.

Isat in acurtained offcubicle surroundedby the chaos of the emergency room when aDoctor declared that the CT scan revealed amassinmy transverse colon, highly likely to be cancer.

Ican't describe the fear Ifelt in that moment or the anguish of having to relay it to my husband and later my four teenage children.

Two weeks after my cancer was detected, I underwent aresection of my transverse and ascending colon and the removal of 26 lymph nodes. Tests confirmed that Ihad stage IV Colon Cancer with metastasis to the liver and the BRAF v600e mutation.

Iwas allowed amonth to recover frommybowel resection before afurthersurgery to resect the cancer in my liver. Shortly after this Icommenced chemotherapy, eightgrueling rounds of CAPOXover six months. Throughout thisperiod Iwas unable to work and relied alot on my incredible husband, family and friends to support me with day-to-day life. Ifeel incredibly fortunate that Iamcurrently

NED (no evidence of disease) but require surveillance every three months and the psychological impact of living life in 12 week increments in between is incredibly challenging.

The chemo has left me with significant peripheral neuropathy in my feet which impacts my ability to walklong distances and at times affectsmy balance.

Inow live with stage IV cancer, that will never change for me.

Icontinuallyhope for new treatment options for myself and others impacted by this prevalent disease.I also hopethatbysharing my storyit raisesawareness andincreasesopportunity for early detection.

To learnmoreabout the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/ national-bowel-cancer-screening-program

“One of the challenges is removing the stigma aboutmental health,and paintingblue treesin high-profile locations is helping to get the conversation started across our nation.”

In amedia release, Mr Chester extended thanks to project sponsors Nathan from Roots 2Leaves and Peter from Crowies Paints and congratulated the team at Forget Me Not Studios, which spearheaded the initiative. If

“The Blue Tree Project is about helping to build amentally healthy future by raising awareness about the helpavailable and supportingpeoplewho may be experiencing difficulties,” Mr Chester said. “Suicide takes morethan 3000lives each year in Australia and shatters the lives of toomany local families.

Federal Member for GippslandDarren Chester joined East Gippsland residents in painting trees at Lakes Entrance as part of alocal Blue Tree Project over the King’s Birthdaylong weekend. Photo:Contributed

Maffra Secondary College’s BlueTreeProject

Photo: Maffra Secondary College

Celebrating the latest

StefanBradley

FEW graduation ceremonies are as exciting as last Thursday’s at RAAF Base East Sale.

Air Force Roulettes and aRAAFF/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft fromNo. 1Squadron conducted aerial displays and flypasts as part of the No. 275 ADF Pilots’ Course Graduation Parade. The nine graduating pilots from No. 1Flying TrainingSchool (1FTS) can tell their friends and families back home about the Roulettes’ four-shipdisplay and aHornet’s salute so close to the ground you could feel it in your ear drums.

About 300 people showed up to watch the nine graduatesreceive their ‘Wings’, more formally known as ‘The Flying Brevet’.

Chief of Air Force (AIRMSHL) Robert Chipman AO CSCattendedasthe ReviewingOfficer for the Graduation Parade. AIRMSHL Chipman’s father, a“double Centurion”, was also in attendance. Wing CommanderBenjaminSawley, Commanding Officer No.1 Flying Training School, said it was agreat day for the graduates.

“These guys have worked extremely hard over a long period of time -12-to-18 months under rigorous testing from us -toget to apoint where they can be graduates and pilots in the Royal Australian Air Force,” he said.

Commander Sawley spoke to the media alongside graduates PLTOFF Freya Swinbourne and PLTOFFChristopher Wettenhell. Over the weekend, both graduatesleft East Sale to start new courses.

He was excited to say that both of them by Christmas will be in frontline units doing operational missions.

PLTOFF Swinbournesaidshe’s lookingforwardto

moving back to Queenslandtobecloser to her family, startingat33Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, flyingthe KC-30AMulti-Role TankerTransport.

“I haveroughly six months of operational conversion -learning the new platform I’ll be flying. And from there… operational tasks for the Royal Australian Air Force,” she said.

PLTOFF Swinbourne said she grew up around aviation,including uncleswho were pilots.From ayoung age she knew she wanted to pursue becoming apilot, and described her graduation, after 15 monthsatEastSale, as afull-circle moment.

“I’m very happy, it’s been along-time coming reaching today,” she said.

“It’s areal full-circle moment to be here and finally receive my Wings.”

PLTOFF Wettenhall will be jetting off to RAAF BaseAmberley at 36 Squadrontofly the C-17A Globemaster.

He joined the Air Force in 2018 and has relished the opportunities to travel around the world, which led to him being “exposed to the C-17”.

“That was always the dream. I’ve always had a big interest in the big cargo planes and what they do,” he said.

Askedwhatadvice they’d give to newstudents of the course, both PLTOFF Swinbourne and PLTOFF Wettenhell agreed it was all the small wins adding up that lead to success.

“You’ve got to treat each little goal as amassive achievement, and try to reflect on it as you’re doing it to actually realise how quick it’s happened,” PLTOFF Wettenhell said.

“We’ve gone from our first flight less than ayear ago and now we’ve got wings…now we’re able to go out solo.”

PLTOFF Swinbourne said none of the nine graduates could do the course without each other’s camaraderie.

“It makes all the difference,” PLTOFF Swinbourne said.

1FTS delivers pilot training to ADF pilots, and because of this increased training capability, the Air Force can now train both RAAF and RAN pilots on both the East and West Coast of the country.

It’s the first time the complete course has been run at RAAF Base East Sale, instead of part of it being held in Perth. This will increase efficiency as pilots can do both parts of the course in East Sale.

“Wedon’t havetomove across the country, we don’t havetofamiliarise ourselves with anew location. We can do the first part and the second part of the course back-to-back, which they have done here,” Commander Sawley said.

“The intent is we will run aschoolhereaswerun our parallel school in Perth, and that allows us to upscale effectivelyour pilot outputtomeet…our strategic needs.”

Commander Sawley encouraged everyonewho has considered doing the pilotcourse to giveitatry.

“Even if you’re just thinking about it, just have a go.Itwill definitely be worth it,” he said.

Beautiful clear blue sky wasperfect for the Roulettes to do what theydobest.

The No.1Flying Training School (1FTS)Graduation Ceremony ntermediate Pilot Course washeld on RAAF Base East Sale. The RAAF F/A-18FSuper Hornet made itself seen and heard

PLTOFF Jack Connor receives his Wings. Photos: StefanBradley PLTOFF Selig Park.

The Welcome to Country andSmoking Ceremony wasdelivered by Aunty Lisa Giblin.

of East Sale RAAF Base pilots

Wing Commander Benjamin Sawleytalks to media, flanked by PLTOFF FreyaSwinbourneand PLTOFF Christopher Wettenhell.

Chief of AirForce (AIRMSHL) Robert ChipmanAOCSC and PLTOFF Will Barber

PLTOFF ThomasHealy

Chaplain Timothy Mannix.

LocalShakespearefestsuccess

Stratford on Avon ShakespeareAssociation

“DOESnotourlivesconsistofthefourelements?"

Twelfth Night Act II sc 3.

ANOTHER great festivalcomes to aclose and we have so many people, groups and businesses to thank for such asuccessfulthree-week event.

The fun kicked offatthe earlier start of April 18 with the official opening by Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye, and aclever performance by Groundwork Youth Theatre that once more put their own take on one of the Bard’s plays.Inspired by this year’s theme, the elements that signal the apocalypse were intertwined with the tragedy of Titus Andronicus -bringing us Titus Apocalypse.

The official opening also saw the announcement of this year’s writing competition winners and we weresoexcited to have all three category winners come along on the night. Congratulations to VickyDaddo -OpenWinner, Sharyn Swanepoel -Gippsland Winner and Emma Turton the winner of the youth section. You can read all their stories on our website.Thankstoour major sponsors Sister Cities Stratford Victoria, Collins Booksellers Sale and local best selling author Lisa Ireland.

Our other perpetualaward winners were Darren McCubbin for Best Actor in the Community play for his highly entertaining performance in Twelfth Night.KathyLuxfordreceivedThe Joan McCloud Best Production Design award for her incredible hand-painted backdrop from the community play Twelfth Night. CassieLenne is the 2024 Janice Jones Award winner for all her contributions to our festival.

Usually later on in our festival, this year our opening weekend includedthe annualBard’s Banquet. Thetheme for the event this year was 'Enchanted Garden Party' and patrons were welcomed into a wondrously transformed Mechanics Hall adorned in fairylights, fresh greenery and statement floral designs. The grand garden party was hosted by the mischievousPuck,the gracefulTitania, and the regalOberon.Wepartnered with the team from Avon River Farmhouse for adeliciousthree-course meal. Big thanks to local vendorsAvon Rover Farmhouse, Stratford Bakery, Albert &Joy, and to our stunning entertainment by Cara Shaefer and asmall troupe of our own local thespians. Morethan 30 Grade 6students from St Patrick's PrimarySchooland Stratford Primarycame together to present present an original script

inspired by The Bard and written by local teacher Miss Bel of GROOV3MENT Dance and Theatre school. O-Day at Stratford High was acolourful, entertaining and contemporary take on some of the Bard’s most well known plays. The committee thanks Bel, the teachers and families of the students and ateam of committed volunteers who all helped to keep this amazing production runningafter so many years. The Community Players continued the tradition of locals producing full length productions of his works by tackling The MerryWivesofWindsor. It was ariotously funnyshow with greatperformances from astrong ensemble cast. To have anearly full house to end the season was testament to the hard work of the cast and crew. The efforts of talented,

WELCOME TO THE TEAM...

committedlocal creativesiswhy it continues to be the heart of our festival since it was first attempted way back in 1996.

The year’s festival ended with The annual Medieval Faire Day. In addition to our local stall holders,food vans, musical performers and lost tradedemonstrations there were snippets from local dramaschools and the Maffra Secondary College production of Pyramus&Thisbe. The Maffra students entertained asell out crowd with standing room only for their final performance. It was an incredible sign of community support for these young thespians!

Once again Groundwork Youth Theatre hosted thechildrens'games which saw this group raise somemuchneededfunds.Wewere alsotreated to crowd favourites- sword making, medieval war demonstrations and acompetitive showcase of the inaugural unicycle games.Following traditional Faire Day celebrations,wehosted Elemental Nights where patrons stayed on after the faire to enjoy musicand feasting by the fire at the ArtCOLT withperformances by TheSingers Songwriters Storytellers of Stratford.Inits good graces, the elements were kind to us this year! Abig thank

you to our stall holders and community groups and our local community who supported us this year. So that is all for another year! In ayear of much needed laughter, comedians and fools came out to play with some of Shakespeare’s most known characters donning the stages over three weeks. We would like to thank the committee, volunteers, partners and sponsors who donated products, supplied equipment and worked tirelessly throughout the festival. Thank you also to the venues used throughout the three weeks Stratford Mechanics Hall, Segue Cafe, TheArtsCOLT and Stratford Courthouse Theatre,weacknowledge the committees that run these spaces that are so vital to our festival. Thanks to Wellington Shire Council for their ongoing supportofwhat has become a major Wellington Shire calendar event spanning more than 30 years. If you would like to know how to get involved in 2025 Festival, our AGM will be held on Thursday, August 27, 1pm from7pm at the Stratford Courthouse Theatre. All are welcome. As always -for all things Shakespeare visitwww.stratfordshakespeare.com.au

Swordfighting antics on FaireDay

Photos: LisaHayman

theme for the annual Bard’s Banquet was‘EnchantedGardenParty’.

East Gippstakes on three

EAST Gippsland Art Gallery presents three new exhibitions.

In the west Gallery, is South East NOW 2024. This hugely popular group show of Koorie artists is back and includes work by Leann J. Edwards, Frances Harrison,Alfie Hudson, Alice Ann Pepper, Ronald Edwards Pepper, Chris Mongta, Patricia Pittman, Alan Solomon and Ray Thomas. This exhibition also includes school workshops,tours and artist talks with exhibitingartist Bradley Brown and Sarah Brown.

In the east Gallery is Bradley Brown, Warriors Bradley is aproud Gunaikurnai,Bidawal, Gunditjmaraartist and father livingand working in Bairnsdale. His passion is helping others, encouraging and teaching young people, especially Aboriginal kids, respectinghis Aboriginal culture and raising his family in the right way.

“I have astrongpassion for painting and telling my stories because it keeps me busy and is important culturally,” he said.

In 2023Bradley wonthe East GippslandArt

Gallery Small Artwork prize out of afield of over 400 entrants, for his work, Clothed in Respect and Unity,wood-burning and acrylic on wood.

In the Sideshow and Vault Gallery spaces are Jennifer Mullett and Ben Pender. Jennifer Mullettisthe daughter of Uncle Albert Mullett, and Aunty Rachel Mullett and the mother of Ben Pender. Jennifer’s work is are-connection to personal memories and experiencesand arepresentation of identity that explores thesymbolism used in paintings, artifacts and storytelling of the Gunaikurnai, Bidawal andNgarigu (Monaro) peoples. Jennifer’s work is held in public galleries and museums, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria and Koorie Heritage Trust, Melbourne. There was aspecial opening event last Friday. Exhibitions run until Saturday, July 27, 2024.

Bundy films head for New Zealand

NEW Zealand comedy Uproar is the next screening at Films at the Bundy film society tomorrow, on Wednesday, June 26.Starring Julian Dennison and Minnie Driver, Uproar is set in New Zealand in 1981, whenthe arrival of the South African rugby team sets off nationwide protests against apartheid and racism. Josh Waaka, a17-year-old,is suddenly forced to stand up for himself, his wh nau, or family, and his future. Be sure to head to theFilms at the Bundy Facebook page to learn more about the film society.

New Zealand comedy Uproar will be screened at theBundy tomorrow (Wednesday).

Image: Contributed

Patricia Pittman, Wood Ducks.Limited edition linocut print

Jennifer Mullett, ‘Why the Robin hasared breast’Tutbring (Robin)Gook Gook (Owl).

BradleyBrown, Power nLove, Acrylic on canvas

RayThomas, Jerail Ceremony of theGunnai. Acrylic on canvas, wood and Jirrah skin.

ONE POINTERS

1. What does SOS stand for?

2. How many colours are thereinarainbow?

3. What is the Porsche logo?

4. How long is an Olympic swimming pool?

5. What shape are stop signs?

6. What is the name of the caféinFriends?

7. Who won more grand slams, Serena or Venus Williams?

8. What is the name of South Korea’sbiggest tech company?

THREE POINTER

9. What was the first Disney movie?

10. What is agroup of crows called?

11. What countryinvented ice cream?

12. How many bones do sharkshave?

FOUR POINTER

13. Which is the world’slargest ocean?

14. How many keys does aclassic piano have? FIVE POINTER

15. What is the world’sdeadliest creature? Solution page31

Using the 9letters in the grid, howmany wordsoffour letters or morecan you list? The centreletter must be included and each lettermay be used onlyonce No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural wordsending in

Snow White he&t Seven ves;Dwar 10: Murder;

Eighty eight;

a Five-acrefamily property on f the outskirts of Sale

THIS two-storey brick veneer home on the edge of Sale is on the market.

Key features of the home include six bedrooms. Currently,the home is set up with the master and four bedrooms upstairs, and the sixth bedroom or study/office are downstairs.

There are two separate living areas, and agents says one features awood heater while the other is a7.3 x4.1meter carpeted formal lounge, parents retreat or large children’splay area. Aseparate studio is located underneath the roofline. A12x 6 metre powered Colourbond shed, front and side access with concrete floor are outside amenities. Additionally,there are five acres of land, agarden and tennis court.

Other indoor features are akitchen, two bathrooms, two separate toilets, one upstairs and one downstairs. Outside, there are wrap around verandas.

Agents say this home is within access of Sale’sschools, hospitals, shops, and cafes.

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: ty:Two-storey home near Sale

Address: 203 Monaghans Lane, Airly

Price: Given upon request

Bed: 6

Bath: 3

Living: 2 Agent: Andrew Holmes, 0483071590, Gippsland Real Estate

Lowmaintenance cottage

Salebrick homeavailable

Chester to expose timber ban

FEDERALMember for Gippsland Darren Chester says he is committed to continuing to "expose the hypocrisy" of bans on the native hardwood timber industry aftervisiting Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) in Heyfield.

Mr Chester said ASH is "continuing to make an outstandingcontribution to the social and economic life of Gippsland" despite the decision by the state government to ban the harvesting of native hardwood timber.

"All credit goestothe team at ASH who have worked hard to secure timber supplies from other sources and continued to invest in new technology that allows the business to successfully compete with imported products," Mr Chester said.

Mr Chester saidherecently spoke in federal parliament about the "madness of shutting down thetimber industry", which he said is important forthe region and nation.

"It is hypocritical of city-based Labor, Greens and Teal MPs to be callingfor anationwideban on native timber harvesting when the alternative is taking timber for countries with poorer environmental protocols

"I am at aloss to understand how it is apositive environmental outcome to transport hardwood timber long distances just because the Victorian Government has made adecision based on political science, and not environmental science."

Mr Chester said ASH is a"world-class business" thathad been forcedtoadapt to the changes in state legislation.

The FederalMemberfor Gippsland said he would

support efforts to secure federal government funding for further improvements to facilities.

"ASH hasalready adaptedand modernised its work-site to employ people with mobility issues, including wheelchairs, and ahigher proportion of female staff, which is acredittothe business,which continues to employmore than200 locals," he said.

"The company has invested in modern technology to develop products which are now being used on major construction projects throughout Australia, including in several capital cities.

"Forexample, ASH produces MASSLAM, whichis aglue-laminated mass-engineered timber solution that is helping to decarbonise the construction sector and contribute to our national goal of achieving net zero by 2050," Mr Chester said.

"The Victorian native hardwood timber industry has changed dramatically over the past 30 years.

It's now asophisticated, world-class and environmentally sustainable industry that supports Australian jobs, protects our communities and wildlifefrom bushfires, and reduces our carbon footprint.Itshould neverhave been attacked by the Labor Party, but now we have to play with the cards we've been dealt.

"That means continuingtoextract every bit of value out of the woodsupplies thatare available andinvesting in the equipment to make it possible fora sustainable business to prosper in the future.

"If the Federal Government is serious about its 'Made in Australia' policy, it would partner with companies like ASH, which are already manufacturing products that are in high demand."

FedUni’s renewable future

FEDERATION University Australia and Corio Generation have joined forces to facilitate Gippsland’s transition to renewable energy production.

As partofanew collaboration agreement, the university and the global offshore wind developer will supportthe reskilling of the local workforce and work to accelerate innovation in renewable energy research.

The agreement includesacommitmentfrom Corio Generation to drive the renewable energy transition and help Federation supportscholarships, research and renewable energy training.

Corio Generation is currentlydeveloping the 2.5GW GreatEastern Offshore Windproject in the Gippslandoffshore wind zone, with the company claiming the project is expected to support up to 1700 Australian jobs during peak construction periods and 340 ongoingpermanent roles during operations.

The federal government last month announced its preliminary intention to grant afeasibility licence for the project, subject to First Nations consultation.

Federation University DirectorRegional Strategy and Engagement, Eastern Region, Professor

Andrew O’Loughlin said the university was proud to collaborate with Corio Generation in supporting the reskilling of the local workforce and driving innovation in renewable energy research.

“As Victoria’s leading regional university, we are uniquely placedtowork with industry and government to provide the pipeline of skills needed to drive prosperity in Gippsland as it transitions to new energy technologies,” he said.

Corio Generation HeadofAustralia,Penny Pickett said the Great Eastern Offshore Wind project will need ahighly trained and skilled workforce.

“An important componentofour work in the comingyears will be working in collaboration withindustry and oureducation partners, such as Federation University,toupskill the existing workforce and encourage Gippsland-based students to consider acareer in offshore wind,” she said.

“Our GEOW project will be operational for 30+ years so there are great opportunitiesfor those considering acareer in renewable energy, and it will also bring long-lasting local benefits to the Gippsland region.”

Duck patrols land access

DURING the 2024 duck season,the Game Management Authority(GMA)conducted 511 waterway and wetlandpatrols on private and public land across Victoria.

The GMA worked in partnership with Victoria Police, DEECA, Safe Transport Victoria, New South Wales Departmentof PrimaryIndustries and Parks Victoria to regulate the 2024 duck season.

Authorised Officers checked more than 1,550 Game Licences and inspected more than 1,200 hunter bags.

Atotalof56breaches were detected throughout the 2024 duck season. GMA will issue22infringement noticesand is conducting 32 investigations relatedtothese matters.

Twenty-six hunting related offences were detected, with the main offence themes being an invalid Game Licence, being in possession of toxic shot and failing to leave awing attached.

Twenty-three persons were suspected of breaching public safety laws by entering or remaining in aspecified hunting area or

hindering or harassing hunters. As aresult, the GMA issued 22 Banning Notices.

GMA Chief Executive Graeme Ford said the majority of people involved in the 2024 duck season acted safely and responsibly.

“While some people breached game hunting and public safetylaws, most of the people our Authorised Officers spoke with were complying with the law,” he said.

However, there was an increase in the number of suspected breaches to publicsafety laws detected over the 2024 Season.

“Public safety laws are in place to provide asafeenvironmentfor all landusers,” Mr Ford said.

“While those who opposeduckhunting have aright to protest, they must do so safely and legally.”

Seven non-hunters are also being investigated for hindering or obstructingan Authorised Officer.

The 2024 duck hunting season began on April 10 and closed on June 5.

Federal Member forGippslandDarren Chester with ASH Managing Director Vince Hurleyatthe ASH Retail CentreinHeyfield.

Photo: Contributed

Council in agreeance with RCV

StefanBradley

WELLINGTON Shire Council supports concerns raised by Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) at afederal inquiry about the financial pressures facing rural councils and the potential for loss of important community servicesiflocal government funding is not overhauled.

Inasubmissiontotheinquiryintolocalgovernment sustainability, RCV told the federalgovernment thatmany smallrural councils are on the financial brink andruralcommunitiesface losingessential community services and the only leisure facilities some communities have. RCV represents Victoria's 34 ruralLocal government areas

RCV said communities across Australia were facing hard decisions about whether to close swimming pools,shutter libraries, curb the use of sports facilities, abandon playgrounds, and severely cut or close aged care and childcare.

“We are at apoint where we have to make some hard decisions,” said RCV chair, Mary-Ann Brown.

“Councils only havetwo reliable sources of income, rates -which are capped -and grants, which have been declining in real terms for years. Small rural communitiesare resilientand self-reliantbut rural councils are being hit from many directions all at once.

“In recent yearstherehave been successive natural disasters, acost of living crisis, community expectationshavechanged andthe system for financing councils and council services has not kept up.

“Put simply, councilsneed more resources, and we need federal and state governments to help us keep up with inflation. The best and easiest thing that the federal government could do for the sustainabilityoflocal government and smallrural communities across Australia would be to increase the amount of the financial assistance grants.”

Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye, said there was acriticalneedfor increased financialassistance from both federal and state governments to ensure the sustainability of local government services in rural and regional communities.

"As highlighted in Rural Council Victoria's submissiontothe federalinquiry, councils like Wellington Shire that are spreadover alarge geographical area are at aturning point. We are being squeezed from multiple directions with rising costs, capped revenue sources, and increasing responsibilitieswithout corresponding funding,"

Cr Bye said.

"Our community reliesonessentialservices and facilities such as swimming pools,libraries, recreation,sporting facilities, and infrastructure for early years. These are not luxuries but necessities that contribute to the wellbeingand quality of life of our residents. The thought of having to reduce these services due to financial constraints is worrying.

"In response to these challenges,our 2024/25 budget reflects ayear of restraint,prioritising core services and critical infrastructure amidst rising costs and limited revenue, made more challenging througha rate capofjust2.75 percent for the next financial year.

"Whileour council remainsfinancially secure, the reality is that councils right across the board need more support fromhigher levels of government."

Cr Brown said that withcommunities and families across the country facing their own cost of living pressures, the option to raise revenue directly from communities was not afeasible one.

“Governmentshave all been guilty of ‘cost shifting’,forcinglocal government to takeextra responsibilities without providing adequate funding,aswell as cutting support for local government in real terms," Cr Brown said.

“RCV has surveyed member councils,and the survey results show that councils are being squeezed on both expenditure and revenue sides. The soaring

costs of providing and maintaininginfrastructure, such as roads and road maintenance, is being exacerbated by limitsonrural councils’ revenue sources, including the rate cap in Victoria.

“Without intervention, this problem will only get worse. If councils are not able to raise more money, they will not be able to meetthe infrastructure and service delivery needs of their communities.”

Cr Bye said that grant programs must be increased to reflect thegrowing needs and costs faced by rural and regional councils.

"Without this support, we risk failing our communities," he said.

"Council echoesRCV's concerns aboutcost shifting, where responsibilities are transferred to localgovernments without adequate funding This practice strains alreadylimitedresources and places an unfair burden on local councils and ratepayers. We are committed and continue to call for fairer funding arrangements, working collaboratively with state and federal governments to find workable solutions."

According to RCV, the largest source of operating grants for councils is from the Commonwealth Government through the Financial Assistance Grants programunder the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995.

“Disappointingly,asa percentage of total Commonwealth governmenttaxation revenue (excluding GST),the amountoffinancial assistance grantsmadeavailable to local government across Australia has decreased from 0.76 per cent to 0.57 per cent from 2011/12 to 2021/22," Cr Brown said.

“While the CommonwealthGovernment and the Victorian Government is able to earn uncapped taxation revenue that increases witheconomic and population growth, enabling increased living standards, the local government sector is reliant upon insufficient rate revenue to meet cost escalation and Financial Assistance Grantsthat have

Time to plan for tussock control

NOW is the optimal time to check your property forthe noxiousweed serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) and prepare amanagement planprior to seeding in spring, according to the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party.

The autumn recent rains and mild summer in some parts of Victoria has been good for pastures and crops, but unfortunately, also good for the growth of serrated tussock. Controlling serrated tussock before the plant goes to seed is critical to prevent further spread, lostproductivity and increased control requirements.

The optimal time for using aregistered herbicide for controllingserrated tussock is autumn, allowing sufficient time to kill the invasive grass before it sets seed in late spring and early summer. Now is the time to inspect your paddocks and ensure any plants are treated prior to seeding and further spread across the landscape.

“Before flowering serrated tussock hasalime green appearance.When flowering the flowerheads have adistinctive purple colour developing as the seedsripen in late spring and sometime late summer. These features help serrated tussock stand out fromthe native tussock grasses,”Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) Chair LanceJennison said.

The VSTWP has developed an online video and information sheets to help landowners identify the unwanted grass, whichcan be found at serratedtussock.com.

“Serrated tussock has afine leaf and will roll smoothly between the index finger and thumb,

while native tussocks feel as though they have flat edges,” Mr Jennison said.

“The leaves also feel rough when you run your fingers downwards due to fine serrations,” he said.

“A mature serrated tussock plant can produce thousands of seeds in aseason, blowing up to 20 kilometres from the parent plant.”

Controlling mature serrated tussock plants before they flower and seed can be done with registered herbicide, manual removal or cultivation.

“Havinga healthypasture and competitive ground cover is one of the most importantaspects to weed management, serrated tussock is aprime example of aweed that doesnot like competition and well establishedpastures,” Mr Jennison noted.

Serrated tussock now covers more than 250,000 hectares of land in Victoria. Largeinfestations require ongoing managementand the integration of anumberofcontrol techniques and result in reduced stock rates and land valuations. The Victorian Serrated Tussock WorkingParty began in 1995 in responsetothe community's deep concern with the spread of serrated tussock and can provide tailored advice for landowners impacted by serrated tussock.

For further information, visit www.serratedtussock.com

not increased in real terms on aper capita basis since 1995.”

The RCV submission to TheHouse of RepresentativesStandingCommittee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport warned that unless further revenue can be raised by councils, they would be forcedtoreview the services they offer and the infrastructure they build and maintain.

With financesstretched,councilsweremaking the difficult decision to pull out of services they do not see as core to their role in the community, the submission said.

The RCV survey of member councils found that about one-third of councils had outsourced services in abid to save money, with about aquarter saying they had also looked at raising fees and charges. The survey showed that many councils have already cut jobs and extended plant replacement schedules.

CAVOODLE PUPPIES

Stunning Puppies, 1st Generation, beautiful curly coats. 9weeks old and ready for new homes now, Males and Females available Desexed, Vaccinated and Microchipped Omega Park Kennels

HORSES WANTED

PLACEANAD IN THE Gippsland Times FORYOUR NEXT

HORSES WANTED

$$$ Cash Paid $$$ Gippsland Ph. Dave 0418 202 202

PUPPIES

Labrador, Black, Purebred, 5F 3M, Vac, chip, worm. C/N 953010006772588/ 566 /572/577/576/593/629/575 $1200 S/N EE255607. Ph 0407 846 339.

PUPPIES

Pure bred toy poodles, 2F 1M, born 14/05/2024, SC NB100 720. MC 953010006715453/460 /445 Ph 0488 299 915.

PUPS

GOLDEN RETRIEVER 10 Weeks old, 2F, 1M looking for their forever homes. Microchip No.'s 956000016217910/16345054/16218583.Source No. MB238838. Phone 0404 015 130.

In accordance with a local law itroduced by the State Government on January 1, 2012, For more information please visit

Clearing Sale SAT, JULY 6, 10am Velore

Clearing Sale Saturday, June 29, 10am A/c Wright Contractors 5Seaton Road, Tinamba

Items include: Pumps and generators, large

AGM

SMCA &SMCA Inc Annual General meetings will be held at Sporting Legends at 7pm on Monday 15 July 2024. Any special business to be in writing to smca@wideband.net.au by COB

In June, the Boardresolved to apply the following serviceavailabilityand usage charges from 1July 2024 to 30 June 2025 in accordancewith clause 2.3(c) of the Essential Services Commission’s 2023 Gippsland Water pricedetermination.

Interestisnot applicabletocustomersonapaymentplan, in ourCustomerCareProgram or eligible concession card holders

Deaths • Cars • Caravans •

HOLDEN

HONDA JAZZ

2008, only 146,000km, manual, drives great, light body damage $2900 as is.

John Deere, model 2130, 75h.p., $11,500 o.n.o. Phone 0458 602 530.

PEEL (nee Estoppey)

Freda Mary

29.02.1936 -20.06.2024

Passed away peacefully at Stretton Park. Loved wife of Wally (dec.). Loved mother of Chris, Phillip and Adrian. Loved mother in law of Leonie ,Sue and Kerrie. Aloved Nan and Great Nan

PEEL

Freda

Loved Mum and very special lady who will be greatly missed. You were cherished and adored. We will never forget your caring nature, strength, courage, grace and style. Your loving nurturing heart will always be with us and memories never forgotten. Now reunited with Dad, rest easy Mum, you deserve it. -Chris and Leonie. xx

In loving memory of Nan

PEEL, Freda Mary. Aspecial friend. Treasured memories for us to

Leanne, Denis, Dean and Craig.

PENROSE, George Leslie 21/3/1937 -14/6/2024

Late of Sale Son of Leslie and Aimee Penrose (both dec.). Brother and Uncle of June, Irene, Dorothy, Elaine, Ian, and Shirley (alldec.)and their families.

Private Cremation.

Ron sadly passed away peacefully at home Tuesday 11th of June 2024, aged 74 years. Loving husband to Anne, father to Tanya, Shawn and Jess. Poppy to Paige, Nate, Max and Ivy. Great Grandfather to Lidia.

Navara, 2013, white, 4x4 Diesel,

ute, manual, reg. till March 2025, ZVK-909, $17,000. Ph 0400 687 967.

Advertise intthe Gippsland Times and Latrobe Valley Express with our

MOTORING DEAL

Atotal of 12 issues over amonth! am

Freda, God looked around his garden, And found an empty space. Then he looked down upon this earth, And saw your tired face. He put his arms around you, And lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best. Love always Ryan, Kate, Willow and Max xoxo

Nan, you were such a special lady to us all, I am so grateful for all the wonderful memories we made, they will last a lifetime. Our long chats around your kitchen table and cooking lessons will be cherished forever. Nothing was ever too much to ask, from tea parties, days in the garden, babysitting, you even let me pierce your ears. The best Nan anyone could ask for.

Love always, Kylie xoxo

JOURNALIST

The GippslandTimes and Latrobe Valley Express arelooking for ajournalist to join our team.

This is afantastic opportunity for you to contribute to the communities in our region.

The role will include general news reporting in aregionwitha wealth of stories to be told about current challenges and future opportunities in addition to the normal story telling expected of alocal newspaper serving its community

The ideal candidate will:

Have relevant tertiaryqualifications

Have great communication skills, both verbal and written

Be able to write punchy,informative and exciting stories on arange of subjects

Possess great news sense and an understanding of what engages local readers

Have acurrent driver’s licence

Be motivated with acommitment to accuracy and quality reporting

The position will be based in Sale.

The successful applicant will report to the Editor

Send aletter of application, resume, list of referees and work examples to:

The Rees family invite you to celebrate the life of Ron on Saturday 29th of June at 2pm, at Coonawarra Resort 3545 BairnsdaleDargo Rd, Glenaladale.

PRIVATE CREMATION

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made direct to BRHS- Palliative care unit.

Sts, Maffra after aservice commencing at 11am on Friday June 28, 2024 for the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

Nanna Freda, thank you for being such an important part of our lives, always at every special occasion, helping us out whenever needed and making us your delicious homemade slices and yoyos. Ever reliable to call us up every time St Kilda beat Carlton, the banter will be sorely missed. For such asmall lady you were able to reach so many .F oreve r remembered and always loved,Keegan,Ella, Cooper, Indie and Zahli.

xxxxx

PEEL, Freda Mary of Newry Aged 88years. Passed away peacefully on 20th June 2024. Dearly loved wife of Wally (dec)

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Phillip and Sue, much loved Nanny to Josh and Bree and Great Nanny to Hunter and Koa. Mum, you devoted your life to caring for us and we will be forever grateful. We will miss our great times together and especially your sense of humour.

The Editor -Liam Durkin

Gippsland Times ldurkin@lvexpress.com.au Applications close: Friday, 19th July 2024.

PEEL, Freda (Tom) Mum thank you for all the things you have done for us throughout our lives. It's been apleasure to be your son. -Adrian and Kerrie,Toby, Holly, Murphie and Laney, Jasmine, Brodie and EmersonThanks for loving us all.

PEEL (nee Estoppey)

The funeral of Mrs Freda Mary Peel is appointed to leave St. John's Anglican Church, cnr Church and Thomson

Frustrating drawfor Gippsland

SolomonNash

GIPPSLAND United’s senior team weresubject to some more late drama as they faced Old Scotch Soccer Club away in match week 12 of the Men's State League 1season.

This had been something of athemeduring the first halfofUnited’s season, as United had experienced the crushing feeling of conceding alategoal, but also the unparalleled elation of scoring alateequaliser or winner. This time they unfortunately felt the emotions at the unwanted end of this spectrum.

Old Scotch were one of the two sides United managed to defeat in the first half of the season. It seemed as though Gippsland would repeat this result as they got off to aflying start, scoring two goals in the opening 15 minutes of the match.

Former Sale United player CooperColeman scored first for United, as he returned to the squad in the best possible way after aone game suspension. ThomasAhmadzai then added a secondnot longafter,ashis relentlessrunning from the middle of the park saw him reap the rewards in front of goal.

With a bit of luck on their side, Old Scotch managedtonot concede againdespite SammyGatpan missing agolden opportunity to add athird just before half time for United.

The second half commenced and United seemed to be controlling proceedings again.But football matches can change in seconds and as Old Scotch continued to push for a route back into the game, they finally made United’s net ripple, scoring with no more than 10 minutes remaining.

The result was still in United’s hands, as if they could hold onto their one goal lead, they would take home their first win in four games. However, the search for thatelusive winning result raged on as Old Scotch found an equaliser with only afew minutes remaining.

It was an extremely tough pill to swallow for United who had been the better side on the balance of play, but were all square with their opponents at fulltime.

This point bumps United’s points total up to 11 and seesthem remainineighth positiononthe table.

IN the earlier kick-off, United’s reserves squad hadanotherstellar performance, backing up their demolition of Casey Comets in matchweek 11, as they defeated Old Scotch 4-0.

Old Scotch started the brighter of the two sides, putting their opponentsonthe backfoot as they

looked to switch the play and fire crosses into the box, testing the visitors backline. But this bright start was halted by Brody Demagistris who scored awonderful header from aDaniel Edey corner, connecting perfectly with the ball, giving Old Scotch’s keeper no chance of saving. Not long after Demagistris opened the scoring, Nonda Lazaris won United apenalty as he strode into the box before being fouled by an Old Scotch defender.Daniel Edey was coolness personified as he stepped up to the spot and converted from 12 yards, stroking the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Two goals to the good and with no sign of letting up, United added athird just after half time as Alex Popp got on the scoresheet. Benefitting from some greatwork from Lazaris as his shot was parried by the keeper, Popp was in the right place at the right time to dispatch the ball into an open net. United hadafew scares in the secondhalf, as Old Scotchcontinued to show their ability up front The homeside cameclosest to scoringwhen they saw ashot from outside the box hit the post. Aside from that, astrongand organised defensive performance, coupled withamagnificent individual display from keeper Liam Anderson, saw United keep their third clean sheet of the campaign. With afull bench waitingfor achancetoenter the game,United made five substitutions in the second half, allowing them to rest some key players. This saw adebut for under 18s talent, Luca Di Corleto, whocameonatleft back for his first minutes of mens football for the club.

The fourth and final goal came from the tenacious work of another of United’s substitutes, Lusanda Mapiye. ReplacingPopp at left wing, Mapiye didn’t allow Scotch’s backline to rest for one second as he made multiple dribblesand attacking actionsinhis cameo appearance.One of which led to asecond penaltyashewas fouledwhilstdribbling towards goal, similarly to Lazaris in the first half Edeystepped up again,assuming his penalty duties, this time going the oppositeway, and as aresultsent the keeper the wrong direction, as he opted for the right corner. This sealed all three points for United and afifth consecutivewin as they maintained their one point lead in top spot on the table.

Moving into match week 13, United will play at home this Saturday (June 29) for the first time in five weeks.

They will be hosting Mazenod FC at Baxter Park in Warragul,asreserves kick off at 12.45pm, before seniors take centre stage at 3pm.

Comben busy in close North loss

Blake Metcalf-Holt

IT'Shard to believe thereisonlynine rounds to go in thehome and away season of theAFL

Only two games separatethird to 13th on the ladder.

PortAdelaide were served the deadliestof wake-up calls when the Brisbane Lions inflicted a79-point drumming at the Adelaide Oval, 23.14 (152) to 10.13 (73).

The Lions jumped the Power in theopening quarter,and despite it ending in only a15-point margin, the tone had been set across the field from the away side, and it didn’t bode well for Port fans.

Brisbane kicked 7.3 (45) to 2.3 (15) in the second quarter, beginning an hour-long onslaught by the Lions hunting aposition back inside the top eight.

Yarram's JoshDunkley had amatch-high 20 touches to halftime,accompanied by three goals to key forward Eric Hipwood.

The Lions weren’t stopping there, nailing every score to open the second half up until the 17-minute mark of the third quarter, including five unanswered goals to push it to 66 points.

Brisbane wereled by Lachie Neale with 37 disposals, Dunkley with 32 touches and seven tackles, and eight multiple goal scorers including Hipwood (5.1), Joe Daniher (3.3), and ruckman Oscar McInerney (three goals).

Brisbane, after beginningwith awin-lossrecord of 0-4 on the season after afour-point Grand Final loss,now stand as one of the in-form sides in the competition.

The loss has the Power clinging onto eighth on the ladder, losers of theirlastthree games and with an offense that looks nothing short of putrid.

 SATURDAY night featured the Pink Lady Match for 2024 between Melbourne and North Melbourne at the MCG

The Demons edged out the Kangaroos, 11.4(70) to 10.7 (67).

Both sides looked desperate for awin under lights, with the Kangaroos matching the Demons seasonal midfielders the likes of Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and Max Gawn in ruck, however North's inexperience was shown against the Melbourne goal kickers and saw the Demons lead 6.4 (40) to 3.7 (25) by halftime.

That methodical tear-down of the North Melbourne defencecontinued throughmuchof the third quarter, with the Demons jumping out to a40-point lead, but Melbourne would be stuck on that score the rest of the way.

North Melbourne shot off the final six goals of the match to bring them within three pointsof their second win of the year, this time against asuperior opposition, with Cameron Zurhaar kicking three goals and Eddie Ford kicking two during that period.

Top-three showdown coming

Blake Metcalf-Holt

GIPPSLAND Unitedheld onto third position on the Big VDivision 1ladder after a96to80win over Coburg in Round 13 on Saturday night. United's American import, Jalin Wimberly dropped46points at Traralgon's GRISS stadium (Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium). Despite facingasidewithonlyfourwinson the year for third-last in the competition, it was atight start to the game with limited scoring through the first six minutes thatended with United losing the opening quarter,23-21. That sluggishstart wouldtransitionintothe second term, with theGiants fighting forloose balls and hitting devastatingthrees that pushed their lead out to 12 points.

The Wimberly show would then commence as the United forward would score 11 points to finish the second quarter seemingly getting to the basket any time he pleased.

United took the lead back and extendedit to five points by halftime after alate-second

three-pointerfrom Ben Barlow. United finished the half on an 18-5 run.

United’s defensive tenacity and Wimberly’s immeasurableability to get to the rim would followinto the winning thirdquarter, where they outscored Coburg 28-18.

It seemed as if United was ready to close up shop before Coburg’s shooters caught fire once again, and some of their own shots went awry as the Giants bought the margin back to six points with just three minutes remaining.

After Coburg’s Roman Zaire nailed aclutch three, achaotic few possessions unfolded before Barlow found himselfatthe free throw line where he knocked down one of two to push it out to athree possession ball game.

One stop later, United had ball in-hand once again to bury the game. Guard Koby Tibballs foundWimberly in the air for an alley-oop slam dunk to leave the result without anydoubt.

United plays RMIT at home this weekend to attempt their biggest scalpofthe season.

RMIT has lost just the two games this season, winning 12.

Aball-up on North Melbourne’s forward flank saw Gawn take the ball out of the air and boot it down the line just in time for Sale’s Charlie Comben to pick it off, bring it to ground and tap the ball out for one last forward attempt from the Kangaroos.

Afew handballswere then strung together through the centresquare before theball was penetratedstraight ahead through the hands of

North Melbourne'sLuke Davies-Uniacke as captain Jy Simpkin has one last run at the ball coming in from the side 30 metres out.

Simpkin elected to kick it off the ground and not try and evade the tackle, but the siren soundedand Melbourne won narrowly.

Comben played well, registering15disposals,six marks and two tackles.

Former Sale player Cooper Coleman returned from suspension forGippsland United at the weekend.

Photo: File (we’ve used this one abit)

Sale’s Charlie Comben performed valiantly in North Melbourne’s three-point loss to Melbourne on Saturdaynight

Photo: AFL Galleries

NORTH GIPPSLAND

SENIORS

11.3 24.3

45.7 (277) GORMANDALE 0.2 2.3 3.5 3.6 (24)

GOALS:Woodside:MO’Sullivan12RFoat12J Williams 8T King 3RPepper 2ZRichards 2B Johnson 2JMorgan AJanssen GStevenson JKennedy Gormandale: JKrimhand 2FRoscoe. BEST:Woodside:J Williams RFoatMO’Sullivan TKingJMorgan JKennedy Gormandale: T Salerno JKrimhand CPotalej FRoscoe KOwenNMillington

TYERS 3.47.8 8.10 11.13 (79)

2.5

10.12 (72) GOALS:TTU:JNeilson 2W Curtain 2FBrouns 2CMichie 2H Willaton FShields JJacobsen. YYN: B Burnett 2DMacdonald 2D Brooks RByrneTHutton AYoungBClymo LFry BEST:TTU:JJacobsen ZKilgower MJacobsen JNeilson WCurtainTHourigan. YYN: AYoung JMassese DBrooksB Brown DBentley RDuguid

HEYFIELD 6.3 13.8 19.11 27.14 (176)

COWWARR 3.1 6.1 7.3 8.5 (53)

GOALS:Heyfield:FStephenson 8MBennett 7BManson 3NDinsdale3KGraham 3K Woodland S Anderson JBeha. Cowwarr: NTwomey 5KHughes 3. BEST:Heyfield:BWoodlandTBirss FStephenson NDinsdale TGraham LHeasley Cowwarr: NTwomeyH HectorJDavison bHood KHughes BGrieve

CHURCHILL 5.1 10.4 17.7 23.10 (148)

GLENGARRY1.4 3.5 5.9 7.12 (54)

GOALS:Churchill:J Whykes 4J Williams 3KHolt 3BHolt 3D Tobin 2B Wight 2MSbaglia 2B Slater 2JHasell TSevenson. Glengarry: JBurgess 3AMay OBradfordMRyanB Truin. BEST: Churchill:JFenech JWhykes JWilliams BHoltB Skinner BWhykes Glengarry: THarris JBurgess LHealy AMay MRyanMHarris

ROSEDALE 3.1 8.4 9.4 13.5

Blues emerge as darkhorse

TomHayes and Blake Metcalf-Holt

ROUND 10 of North Gippsland football had it all.

Yet, once again for the most part, the league showed its top-heavy (or perhaps bottom-heavy) nature as three of the five games ended in 90-plus point thrashings.

On the flip side, an intense duel between twoheavyweights played its course, proving just how tight things are at the top in terms of competition -atleast between the top three.

The NGFNL also celebrated Pride Round onceagain, which was hosted by Heyfield, who competed for the Pride Cup for the second time in two years, this time coming up against Cowwarr.

 IN what was shaping up to be one of the games of the round, it took perhaps the least likely of turns.

Rosedale, who had recently established themselvesasa finalschance, onlysolidified that mantra, defeating Yarram on their home deck, 13.5 (83) to 5.13 (43).

Funnily, both sides had the same scoring shots, with accuracy defining the game. Both sides had four scoring chances in the first quarter, and it went just as you would expect consideringthe finalscore.Yarram could only manage four behinds, with the visitors kicking 3.1 (19).

Rosedaledidn’t back down, in fact it looked like Yarram did in the second quarter, as the Blues found asecond gear, boosting their advantage while kicking 5.3 (33) to 1.2 (8) to give themselves a40-point halftime lead. If the game was close, it would’ve granted an excitingfinish, with nothing sitting between the two sides in the second half.

Yarram found afew more chances in front of goal in the third term,bringing the margin back out to 25 points. But just as Rosedale have for most of the season, they completed astrong win with astrong finish, extending the margin back out to 40 points as the final siren rang.

As both sides had 18 shotsongoal, the first thing you notice is who was more accurate, and with such adiscrepancy, you are led to believe that it was one of the driving factors for the Blues.

Stephenson and Mitch Bennett, who kicked 15 goals between them. Even without their contributions, Heyfield still would have won.

Brayden Woodlandwas best-on-ground for the Kangaroos; also highlighted was Tyson Birss, Stephenson, NickDinsdale (three goals), Tyson Graham and Liam Heasley.

For Cowwarr, Nick Twomey,Haydn Hector, JacksonDavison, Brady Hood, Keenan Hughes and Brett Grieve were all outstanding.

The win keeps Heyfield in touch with the top five, but due to Rosedale’s win, the Blues remain hot on their toes.

 WOODSIDE dismantled Gormandale, again.

Travelling to Gormandale, the visitors had no problems whatsoever in dishing out the biggest win of the seasonthus far, beating the Tigers by 253 points, 45.7 (277) to 3.6 (24).

Apparently, not muchhas changed in ayear at all, as thiswin for the Wildcatscomes 343 days after they defeated the Tigers by 254 points, in Round 14 last year.

Woodside was all but sure to pick up the fourpointsbefore the game had even started, it was always going to be amatter of how much.

They certainly did not hold back on their hosts, kicking 11.3 (69) to two behinds in the first quarter to open up a67-point quarter time lead

Adding another 13 goals straight in the second term, Woodside neared the 150 mark, and with apotential score of around 300 on the cards, Gormandale was in strife.

However, the home side did manage to get on the board in the second term, kicking 2.1 (13), but the game was already lost with the margin sitting at 132 points.

Woodside would not step off the throat of theiropponents. In the third quarter Gormandale managed to add one more goals, but that would be their last for the game, as the Wildcats another 8.1 (49), putting the margin ever-so-close to 200 points with a quarter to play.

It would eventually reach that feat within the next 30 minutes, with Woodside saving their best quarter for last, adding 13.3 (81) to one behind in the final term.

YYN led their typical fightback, much the same as theirnear miss againstYarram a few weeks ago, possessing the ball and finding teammates more efficiently further afield, resulting in afourgoals to one third term the way of the Jets, and cutting the margin to two goals in time for the final quarter of play.

YYN’s Anthony Young had been inserted intothe midfield andpowered through contest after contest to establish abish-bash tone that was needed, and his teammates followed suit -with TTU beginning to sweat contemplating another tight final minutes against their newly developed rivals. It seemed the Bombershad weathered the stormhowever, pushing their lead back out to 32 points following goals from captain Jye Nielson, Caleb Michie and abomb from Shields.

Littletimeremained and both sides would likely be thinking ahead to their matchups the following week, but it’s not overuntil it’s over.

The Jets were now working at afrantic pace, and although TTU had blown the game out, it appeared as if it had takenits toll, with theYYN players findingsome extra energy in thedying minutes to attempt a miraculous win.

League-leading goal kickerDean MacDonald playedonfromwithin 45 metres closer to the boundary to nail the Jets’ first of four goals that included an unbelievable check-side goal in the pocket through traffic from Riley Byrne.

Eight points in it with barely aminute remaining, if even, YYN coach Tom Hutton claimed amark30metres out almost directly in front with all signs pointing to afinal centre clearance to decide the result. Hutton’s shot stayed left and went through fora behind, the siren blowing seconds later.

The best for TTU included Nielson (two goals),James Jacobsen, Zach Kilgower, Michael Jacobsen, William Curtain (two goals) and Trent Hourigan.

Anthnoy Young claimed best-on-ground for YYN, along with standouts Jai Massese, Dylan Brooks, Bailey Brown, Dylan Bentley, and Rowan Duguid.

:J Reid 8LLittle DMaxwell TMaleJFraserHanley Yarram: MCleary2AGreen SHarvey. BEST:Rosedale:D Maxwell BAnderson THenderson JFrith JReid JBruce. Yarram: M ClearySHarveyJCarrison MMcmahonJCollins JJames

GOALS:Heyfield:BDinsdale4 SDonahoe 2J Kuhnell 2W Knight 2MJohnston BRonan K AndersonO Pearson. Cowwarr: RFerguson 3CFarleyDCooper. BEST:Heyfield:K Anderson D PatmoreSDonahoe XBrooksMCasella JKuhnell. Cowwarr: RFerguson LLangmaid AMcLean TPaulet WSwanLHegarty

7.3 8.5 (53) GOALS:Churchill:LKerr3CWilliams 3BKokshoorn 2T HayesB Downie Glengarry: DOates 2LWhitehead 2ZChristensen TWilson RNguoth LNoble BEST:Churchill:LBreretonPKhamphawa BKokshoorn C Williams JEffenberg. Glengarry: LWhitehead ARussell TWilson DOates RNguothZChristensen LADDER

LukeStuckey washighlyratedfor Rosedale, as was Jake Suter, Riley Boyle, Will Logan (six goals),Blake Safstrom,and JakePawley. Spencer Fox also kicked three majors.

For Yarram, Liam Bentley was best, alongside Boadie Motton,Kayleb Pearce, JakeMcFarland,Liam Farley and Griffin Underwood. Josh Swift added three goals to his season tally of 39, to currently be third throughout the league.

Yarram stay within the top five, however now more uncomfortably, with just awin separating them from Rosedale in sixth. With abig win over atop-four team, Rosedale will be beaming with confidence as they set up for their next block of games. In the next month they face teams all up and down the ladder, with Gormandale, Heyfield, TTU, and Sale City.

 BACK into the swing of things.

Heyfield returned to the winner’scircle after an absenceoffive weeks,taking care of business with ease against Cowwarr, winning 27.14 (176) to 8.5 (53).

Cowwarr did their very best to keep the scores tickingfor theirside of things,but Heyfield just did everything more thanthree times better, besting the Saints in every quarter.

Heyfield’s 20-point quarter time margin turned into 49 points by half time at Gordon Street.But justlike theKangaroos have shown in afew instances this season, they only get better as the game grows older.

Woodside personified accuracy throughout the game, withmore than85per centoftheir scoring shots registering goals,and forateam that had 52 scoring shots, it meant agreat deal.

Contributingtothattotalwas Woodside captain Ryan Foat,along with Michael O’Sullivan, who kicked 12 goals each. Jai Williams joined in on the fun, kicking eight, earning himself best-on-ground honours. Also in the best with that trio wasThomas King(threegoals), Jeremy Morgan, and Joshua Kennedy.

For Gormandale, Tristan Salerno was classy as always; also noticed was Jet Krimhand, ChrisPotalej, Flynn Roscoe, Kodie Owen and Nicholas Millington.

With agame in hand ahead of Traralgon Tyers United, Woodside didn’t necessarily needthe percentage, but they received a welcome boost, seeing it rise to over 280.

 TTU survived an eight-point swing.

The Bombers’11.13 (79) wasenoughto defeat the Jets’ 10.12 (72), in agame that had all types of twists and turns at Tyers Rec. They are bound to collide again come finals time given each of their form.

The reigning premier flew out the gate, bringing constant pressure across the groundleading to inaccurate kickingfrom the visitors.

The Bombers seemedafew steps ahead, flinging the ball across the ground with damaging run and carry, winning the opening quarter 3.4 (22) to 0.4 (4).

TTU movetwo gamesclear of YYN in third, with awin-loss record of 8-1, while the Jets stagnate at 6-3, holding theirposition in third thanks to Rosedale's win over Yarram.  CHURCHILL capped off astrong performance at home.

Desperate for their third win of the season, the Cougars were favourites as they welcomed Glengarry to Gaskin Park, getting the points in a23.10 (148)to7.12 (54) win. After an eventful day which required two ambulances to attend to two separate, horrifying injuries, the seniors got underway on schedule.

In the thirds,aGlengarryyoungster suffered what is suspected to be acompound fracture -forcing the game to be abandoned finishing in adraw,while in the reserves, Churchill clublegend Quinton Whitehead suffered abroken leg and dislocated ankle following alate tackle.

Churchill were up to scratch as soon as the game was underway, kicking away to an early 21-point lead. Adominant second quarter followed, which saw the home side add another five goals, stretching the margin out to 41 points.

Churchill’s class began to ooze in the third term, including aspecial three minute blitz from Joe Whykes who wound back the clock and kicked three goals to give the Cougars even more breathing space.

Asolidfinal termsaw Churchill run out 94-point winners, one goal shy of the triple figure margin.

Yarram: Details N/A.. BEST:Rosedale:C GriffinE LoganHBerryJ BorgBSyme HPettie Yarram: LRoberts LEarles NDaldy CPrestianni MKamputa TDelaney TRARALGON TYERS 9.518.10 22.16 30.23 (203) YYN0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)

GOALS:TTU:RDenovan 7HStyles4 BWatson3 NWasalski3LFox 2JStimson 2KCrawfordR Traill TTangiJ Poel MNoble BSelwynZ Bastin BRobson TCrosby. YYN: Details N/A.. BEST:TTU RTraillJ Stimson LFox HStylesBSelwynT Spagnolo YYN: JKaschke JLerstang IGlibanovic H Russell ABurke DAshman

(114)

(19)

GOALS:Heyfield:EDavies8J Reid 3KHewish2Aharveygee OMavor LDwyer JHanratty. Cowwarr: HDunstan HJohnston LBrady BEST:Heyfield:B Willoughby EDaviesJHanrattyJ Reid OMavorJMcdiarmid Cowwarr: DMartinHDunstan XHurley HJohnston CBass

In the second half, Heyfield began with a six-goal to one third term, putting the game well out of the Saints’ reach,with the margin now at 80 points.

The finalquarter put the stamp on the win, as Heyfield marked their authority, adding eight more goalstoone,which sawthe margin soar over 100 points, finally landing at 123 by the final margin.

It was abig day out for Heyfield duo Finn

Gormandale 200+ point losses since 2019 (11)

254 -Rd14vsWoodside (2023) 253 -Rd10vsWoodside (2024) 236 -Rd2vsChurchill (2022)

227 -Rd15vsYYN (2022) 221-Rd14vsTTU (2022)

212-Rd9 vs YYN (2023)

206 -Rd14vsSale City (2019)

205 -[kept scoreless] Rd 7vsHeyfield (2022)

205 -Rd6vsTTU (2024)

203 -Rd3vsWoodside (2023)

203 -Rd8vsYYN (2021)

Totalgames (since 2019): 69

Won: 1

100+ point losses: 46

That intent over the ball and suffocation from end-to-end continued much the same in the second term, withmidfielderslike Frazar Brouns, Flynn Shields and Oscar Aliotta leading the charge into the Bombers forward line.

TTU pushed their lead out to as much as 33 points by halftime, and at 7.8 (50) to 2.5 (17) surely looked to easily win their eighth game in arow.

TOOTHLESS TIGERS

FROM the outset, mayI stress this table has not been put together to criticise or to kick someone while they are down.

Truthfully, the Tigers deservesome creditfor fronting up week in, week out. By the same token though, similar results have seen other clubs across CountryVictoria forced into recessbygoverning bodies in years gone by

Results like this are not healthy or beneficial to anyone. If the aim of any league is competitive balance, mismatches do little more than to drag the competition down, makingatleastone game

JordanFenech was best-on-ground for the home side, joined by Joe Whykes (four goals), Jye Williams (three goals), Brendan Holt (three goals), Ben Skinner and Blake Whykes.

For the Magpies, Thomas Harris was outstanding, also mentioned was Jack Burgess (three goals),Luke Healy, Andrew May, Michael Ryan and Mitch Harris.  SALE CITY had the bye.

non-competitive during each and everyweek. While Gormandale’smargins(fairly or unfairly) usually attract the most attention in this area, theyare not the onlyseniorfootball team in Gippsland to be routinely belted in recent years. For those teams, and for those clubs, there must be acircuit breaker

Where does it end? Where is the enjoyment and success for the people that do it year after year and see no results for it?

It is going to fall at some stage if it continues along this path.

Statistics and comment by Liam Durkin

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

WONTHAGGI 5.49.6 11.9 14.13 (97)

SALE1.1 4.4 7.6 7.6 (48)

GOALS:Wonthaggi: CMcInnes 5J Williams 3H Tiziani ALindsayKPatterson BDuveJ BlairN Anderson. Sale: JLeslie2C Byron BDessent SLange ZRussell DByron. BEST:Wonthaggi: R Sparkes CMcInnes IChugg BDuveSBrayKPatterson. Sale: JMcGuiness NWhitfordSLange JButcher JLeslie HHolmes TRARALGON 3.25.2

17.8 (110) WARRAGUL 1.5 8.6 10.10 12.10 (82)

GOALS: Traralgon: HNeocleous 7MNeocleous 5J VanIwaarden CAmbler HDunbar C Doultree MJacobsen. Warragul: JLamb3 HJinks 2T Crole 2LGiliam JDavidson CRaso SMasterson IWallace. BEST:Traralgon: HNeocleous JScholtes MNeocleous THourigan MMembrey LD’Angelo Warragul: IWallaceSMasterson TStern LGiliamMSmart HJinks

MORWELL 3.2 4.6 6.7 8.9 (57)

(52)

GOALS: Morwell: THillier 2BBailey JBurr BMacfarlane SWalsh BMcDonald TGray. Bairnsdale: MEastT Blenheim CHarveyW Mitchell TReesO Clarke EEast. BEST:Morwell: MLintonB Macfarlane ZAndersonCBurrBBailey AQuigley Bairnsdale: WMitchell LAustin RStewart EEastMCorbett TClay

DROUIN 4.3 9.5

(98) GOALS:Drouin: KQuirk 5T Hancock 3SAmoroso 3W Papley 2T Johnstone EMorrisZ Atkins Maffra: CCalwyn 7ACarr3SSmith 2DBedggood BTohara BMonk BEST: Drouin: KQuirk AQuirk SAmoroso MCotter JKingi THancock Maffra: CCalwyn ACarrDBedggood BMonk HAnderson LAllman

(57) GOALS:Moe: DKeilty2 TBlackshaw2JBalfour 2T Eden NProwseT Golds Leongatha: J Harry3JGarnham 2BGrabham AndrewsJGinnane TBrill BEST: Moe: DKeiltyT Baldi R BaldiLMcGrath BSmith JBalfour Leongatha: MBentvelzenJvan der Pligt ATrottoJHarry MBorschman SForrester

No joyfor Eagles or Pies

Liam Durkin

DROUIN had the better time of the western clubs, getting up to defeat Maffra in Round 11 of the Gippsland League.

The Eagles ruined Maffra captain Daniel Bedggood’s250th game,winning ahighscoring thriller 16.8 (104) to 15.8 (98).

It was Drouin’sfirst win at Maffrasince 2009, and was led by Kye Quirk, Aden Quirk, Seb Amoroso, Mitch Cotter, Jordan Kingi and Tim Hancock.

Bedggood was among the best in his milestone, and looksanabsolutecertaintyto break the club record of 253 games currently held by aman carrying another familiar Maffra surname in Winston Gieschen.

Caleb Calwyn was mighty in the loss, kicking seven goals, while Alex Carr, Bryaden Monk, Henry Anderson and Lachlan Allman were also solid.

They just love to kick goals those Hawks, even if it means gettingscoredheavily against. Drouin may have only won four games, but their percentage is 81.53.

If you’re not going to win, you might as well make it entertaining.

 IT’S not what you know, it’s who you know.

The match betweenWonthaggi and Sale turned into an ironicencountergiventhe Collingwood connection to both clubs.

While the Magpiesare home to oneofif not Collingwood’sgreatesteverinScott Pendlebury, the fact he is still playing at the top level means they are somewhat restricted. Wonthaggi by contrast don’t have that problem.

Either that or their coach Jarryd Blair is avery good salesman.

Blair, himself aCollingwood premiership teammate of Pendlebury’s, has been able to add no less than four players with ties to the Magpies intothe Power line-up in the last three years.

Theyall came together at theweekend, the result of which saw Wonthaggi win 14.13 (97) to 7.6 (48) on their home deck.

The latestCollingwood recruitwas Nathan Brown, another of Blair’s 2010 premiership teammates.

The Power have now won four of their last six games, and despite sitting seventh on the ladder, have more than enoughtimetopush further into finals calculations.

Will Scott Pendlebury ever come back and play for Sale? He might be too busy coaching Tassie.

 MORWELL made sure it was a memorable trip home from Bairnsdale.

There was afew pounding heartrates before that however.

The Tigers held on fordearlifeon Bairnsdale City Oval, getting up by five points 8.9 (57) to 7.10 (52).

Drama of the highest order unfolded in the finalterm, as both teams fought desperately to try and achieve the desired result.

Morwell may well have beenfeeling a sense of déjà vu, as alateset shot from their opposition registered abehind much like it did against Traralgon afortnight ago.

While that game ended in adraw, the Tigers were at least given awin on this occasion.

Having led marginally at every change, a grandstand finish saw Bairnsdale’sMax East cut the margin back to six points with aneat set shot from in front of the changerooms at the 22-minute mark.

Morwellscrambled the ball forward over the next few minutes, and were rewarded with afree kick inside 50 at the 26-minute mark.

The ball was in good hands, that of playingcoach BoydBailey, who lined up from40 metres out on an acute angle.

With any score meaning Bairnsdale would need to kick two goals deep in red time in ordertowin, therewas afurther twist in the tale.

Afreekick to Bairnsdale was plucked from the goal square as the ball made its way down,which ledtoafrantic period of the ballexiting then re-entering Morwell’s attackingend.

Aclearing kick was met by Brandon Bailey, who could count himself stiff not to be paid amarkonthe edge of 50, as the Tigers did all they could to surge the ball closer to goal.

theirluck will change, having now lost two games in arow decided by virtually the last kick of the day.

Mitchell wastheir best, whilecoachLogan Austin,Randall Stewart, league ‘big boy’ Ethan East, MattCorbett and Tate Clay were industrious.  ANOTHER week, another Traralgon rollercoaster.

While the end result showed the Maroons beat Warragul by the best part of five goals at the weekend, it was anything but awalk in the park -Western Park to be specific. Ahugeupset loomed at halftime whenthe home side took a22-point lead into the sheds. Traralgon however responded in devastating fashion, kicking eight goals to two in the third term to completely shellshock the Gulls. The avalancheofgoals enabled the Maroons to lead by 12 points at thefinalchange of ends, beforeafurther fourgoals to two in the last made sure of the points.

Correspondencecoming in from areporter covering the match for another masthead said Warragul was playing its best football in recent memory up until halftime.

Traralgon madesure the Gulls enjoyed no furtherdominance once the second half started, and ended up kickingthreetimes as many goals as their opponents after the main break.

Harvey Neocleous was amore than welcomed return to the Maroons' line-up, coming back from Casey in the VFL and kicking seven goals in abest-on-ground display for his home club.

It ended up being an unbelievable day for the family, as his younger brotherMarlon kicked five on senior debut.

Incredibly, Traralgon had two senior debutants at the weekend still eligible for under 16s.

Joining Marlon Neocleous in this group was Blair Roscoe, who himself has had ascarcely believable fortnight.

ALovison B Hutton BCheetham RGuiney EPass Warragul: MLynn VKuolS KellyDRidgway XLaFrantz TWouters

2.4 5.6 9.6 11.8 (74)

(52) GOALS: Bairnsdale: NDesio 3LDunkley 2B Froud RBlandfordB SauerRCarstairs MFalls JWaddell Morwell: JGalea 4BBriggs LPatterson GMentha. BEST:Bairnsdale: BLindL Bleyswyk BFroud NDesio MNeate RCullinan Morwell: JGalea RLoprese LPatterson M Duncan CBlewett DMakepeace MAFFRA3.6 5.11

(97)

(7)

GOALS:Maffra: JOldham 5J Bristow 2RPhelan 2BHarrington STudor SPendergastD Stubbe Drouin: JClerks BEST:Maffra: JBristow DO’Brien RPhelan BDowsett DAdams J Oldham. Drouin: CCaddy KKeady JWalsh JClerks DClebney RStapleton

LEONGATHA 6.3

2.1 (13) GOALS:Leongatha: FMateria 8COlden 4J Walker 3NNagel 3HLindsay 2R Reardon 2C Rump RKelly Moe: SCurtis BEST:Leongatha: HLindsayRKelly FMateriaNFixterJ Walker JBurns Moe: LMackay AWilson DO’Brien BSword LEarl LDurkin LADDER

PW LD FA %Pts

Leongatha 11

KBoi 6SGrummisch 3C MacLean 2C Mcintosh FSheehan BRainford. Traralgon: GRuach 2BHagleyW Ambler HLittle. BEST:Warragul: APhillipsK Boi HCant HBrown HHodge CMcintosh. Traralgon: RRutter BHagleyJMoloney KRowleyAvan der Velden GRuach

6.2 9.5 14.7 (91) DROUIN 2.2 2.7 4.7 5.9 (39) GOALS: Maffra: J McQuillen 5 E Berry 3 T Phillips 2 J Kellow E Stables W Ruthberg J Dowsett. Drouin: RBaker 2KSmith 2CStone BEST:Maffra: TPhillips SAnderson JKellowMRondon EBerry. Drouin: RBaker TMapleson WVirtue JObernhumer KMcLeish FLockwood

3.3 7.5 8.8 8.11 (59)

(40)

GOALS:Leongatha: WBrown 3N McDonald EBerryman MCroatto OMahoney JGarnham. Moe: LEarl 2MSnowden KMulleyKCaldwell BSword BEST:Leongatha: OMahoney T Gannon ZLamers EBerryman KMcGrath MSheahan. Moe: XBerquez JShields BBlandford BSword BSavage WRobinson

MNeate 4MHamilton4 OEmmett 2RCullinan JWalker Jnr FRusso

TreasureM Dunstan SO’Kelly Morwell: TShankland 4.

Bairnsdale: RCullinan CCook MNeate FRusso RLieuwen SO’Kelly Morwell: GJiath TShankland MVan Vliet TJames C Seymour RMakepeace

Brown is rumoured to be playing the rest of the season with the Power, and looks set to have joined in the nick of time as clearances close this Sunday.

Wonthaggi was also helpedbyCollingwood VFLplayer Ryan Sparkesbeing availablefor his home club last weekend.

It is understood Sparkes is also back at the Power fulltime, after areported change in his living arrangements after former Wonthaggi teammate Jack Hutchinson was taken by West Coast in the midseason draft.

The other players with Collingwood connections currently at the Power are Isaac Chugg (former AFL) and Jack Blair (VFL).

Chugg was named in the best, after Wonthaggi put up fivegoals to oneinthe first term, and were rarely challenged from there.

The Power could have inflicted even greater damage, as they kicked 3.4 (22) to no score in the last quarter.

CooperMcInnes kicked fivegoalsfor the winners, receiving good support from Sparkes, Brayden Duve, Shannon Bray and Kaj Patterson.

JontyMcGuiness continued his strong season for Sale. Others to play well were Nathan Whitford on return, Shannen Lange, Josh Butcher, Jack Leslie and Hudson Holmes.

While there might be calls for Wonthaggi to do the opposite to Port Adelaide and change their nickname from Power to Magpies, their recent form has put the competition on high alert.

They got as close as the behind post, but the Redlegs refused to concede, and with precioussecondsticking away, went for a Hail Mary play.

Using the corridor, the home sidefound Will Mitchell, taking adiving mark in the middle of the ground.

Mitchell was awarded a50metre penalty, apparently becausethe ball wasnot handed back in an appropriate fashion, taking him well within scoring range directly in front.

With the game riding on his boot, Mitchell’s shot sailed wide for abehind at the 28-minute mark.

Morwell cleared the ball from the resultant kick-in, and heard the siren not long after.

Players wearingthe yellow and black were jubilant, especiallytheir coach, who raised both arms in arare displayofpublic emotion.

Thegesturewas perhaps warranted, as the match was essentially an eight point game for Morwell, who were inside the top five but only two-points clear of Bairnsdale heading in.

Boyd Baileywas among the best for the winners,aswas Max Linton,Burkeley Macfarlane, Zac Anderson, Charlie Burr and Aidan Quigley.

The result carried furthercredit,asthe Tigers became just the second team this season to beat Bairnsdale on their home deck Morwell are now outright fourth, which sets up ahugeclash with Valley rival Moe this weekend.

The winner of that match will go to third on the ladder.

Bairnsdale might well be wondering when

The precursor to his senior debut came the week before when he kicked seven goals for the Traralgon reserves, after kicking four in the under 16s earlier in the day.

The future indeed looks bright for the Maroons.Marlon was in the top six players, as was Joel Scholtes (under 21),Tye Hourigan, Mitch Membrey and Luis D’Angelo. Best for Warragul was Isaac Wallace, Sean Masterson, TomStern,LachlanGiliam, Mitch Smart and Heath Jinks.  CLUB functions are always better after awin.

Especially when you beat the reigning back-to-back premier.

Moe had even more reason to celebrate at is mid seasonballlastSaturdaynight, following victory over Leongatha. The Lions put an indifferent few weeks behind them, securing the four points in a final scoreboard that read 9.14(68) to 8.9 (57) at Ted Summerton Reserve.

Moe led at every change, and survived anervous last quarter to hold off the fastfinishing Parrots.

Up until then, it had been arelatively dour affair.With bothsidesdownonkey personnel (Leongatha admittedly with more than 500 senior games of experience missing), things were brought back to an equilibrium.

Mitch Bentvelzen played well for the visitors, as did Jake van der Plight, Adan Trotto, Jackson Harry, Matt Borschman and Sam Forrester.

Moe coachDeclanKeiltywas best-onground, along with Trent and Riley Baldi, Smith, Jacob Balfour and young ruckman Lachlan McGrath.

Maffra favourite reaches the 250 milestone

MAFFRA Football-Netball Club senior captain Daniel Bedggood played his 250th senior game at the weekend.

In doing so, he became only the second player in the history of the club to reach the milestone.

In all likelihood he will overtake Winston Gieschen’s record of 253 senior games later this year.

In his junior years with the club, Bedggood enjoyed great success, being amember of the 2007 premiers and champions under 16 team (underthe coachingofclublegend Wayne Butcher, who would go on to coach Bedggood in multiple senior flags) and the 2009 U18s premiershipside(coached by Maffra FNC Hall of Fame member Gary Jones).

Graduatingtoopen agefootball, Bedggood played the opening round of the 2010 season in the reserves, before making hissenior debut in the Round 2clash against Moe. Under the astutecoaching of Graham Robbins (another member of the MFNC Hall of Fame), Bedggood quickly established himself as aregular senior player.

In only his 15th game, he was amember

of the side that defeated Drouin to take out the 2010 premiership.

Another premiership followed six years later in theemotion-charged 2016 Grand Final against Leongatha. Bedggood kicked four goals in thatdecider, including two in the last quarter, to be named among the best players on the day.

Athird premiership camewhen, after being appointed captain in 2018, he led the club to the 2019 premiershipinanother classic encounter against Leongatha.

Bedggood has been amodel of consistency. His250 senior games have come from apossible 263 appearances.His first 100 came from apossible 106 games, his second 100 from apossible 104 and this latest 50 from apossible 53.

This impressivereturn comesdespite playing the majorityofhis careerasa lead-up key forward.

As akey forward, Bedggood hasbeen a prolific goal scorer for the Eagles.

He has kicked amassive 476 majors and is currently second on the club’s all-time goal kickinglist behind only Adrian Burgiel (616).

Bedggood's output for the club has been significant.

In the decade 2010-19, he enjoyed his own 'DecadeofDominance'. He played more games than anyone else in the league (196), kicked moregoals than anyone elseinthe league (396), had five top fivefinishes in the league goal kicking award, played in six Grand Finals (2010, '12, 2016-19) and won three premierships (2010, '16, '19). Over his career, Bedggood has played in 29 finals -eighth on the Maffra all-time list. He has alsorepresented the Gippsland League at interleague on three occasions. As well as allthis, he has resisted the temptation to join another club, remaining loyal to Maffra.

An all-round gifted sportsman, Bedggood is also anoted cricketer, having carved many attacks in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association over the years.

*Mostwords taken from MaffraFNC contribution in the Gippsland Leaguerecord With thanks.

FOOTBALL NETBALL EAST GIPPSLAND

SENIORS

Snowy Rovers:C Nettleton HNettleton MWelsh THerbertG Rogers CRobertson. Lakes Entrance: LCarroll AMcKenzie THudson MPearce MDugganJClarke

Success under lights

SALETennis Club has concluded avery successful night pennant season, with team numbersincreasingonboth pennant nights.

The TuesdayNight theme was Lindsay’s Mad Hatters. There was nine teams, with the team names of Akubras,Turbans, Fedoras, Fascinators, Berets, Fezzes, Bowlers, Top Hats and Boaters taking part.

In theGrand Final it wasthe Fascinators –NarelleAlexander,Cheryl Eddy, Damien Theobald and Cijo Kuriakose, verses the Bowler Hats –Kyung Stewart, Jess Massey, RussellHeathcote (fillinginfor Sharyn Treasure) and Scott Wilkinson taking part.

After the first four sets, it was all tied up and adraw was looking likely untilthe Fascinators pushed ahead and were able to tip the Bowler Hats 28-26.

IN the Thursday Night pennant there was 12 teams. In the semi-finals, Lighthouse &Co played Sale Central Storage while SamBuilt Projects played SpecSavers. Lighthouse &Co and SpecSavers won through to square off in the Grand Final.

Playing for Lighthouse&Cowere Shane Robbins, Mick Gratten, Andrew Bryant and Kerri Brown, while the SpecSavers team was BryanLazzaro, Norbert Fuessel, Andy Pate and James Black.

In identical circumstances to Tuesday night, scores were locked after four sets.

The final two sets saw SpecSavers pull ahead to seal the final 28-26.

New club sponsor Chris Kirkland of Preston Rowe Patterson was on hand to do the presentations to the finalists.

Night Pennants recommence after the school holidays in July.

Night pennants run on Tuesdayand Thursday nights with play commencing at 7pm and finish abit after 9pm.

For thosewishing to play the next pennants, the player lists are alreadydisplayed at the clubrooms.

Night pennants cater for players of all

KDickson. Paynesville: LSmith TBaxter. BEST:Lucknow:BReynoldsRO’Brien JPurcell BSmith DEvans KCollins Paynesville: BRiches TFahey JMay LSmith ELong KCook

Entrance:JCameron KStephenson LReggardoMSowdenW Forrester CAndy Orbost Snowy Rovers: KDerbyshire2 BMcDonald WNewlyn LBarnes AKenny. BEST:Lakes Entrance:AHatch SHarrison BDaley CFerris ARimmerBCrittenden. Orbost Snowy Rovers: J Eaton TGriebenow

BEST:Boisdale Briagolong:A Ryan TMiller THunt JStewart TBuchanan KMahoney Stratford: SDekkers RLiepa KShanks N Conway JLustgraaf TAeschlimann

Snowy Rovers:K Farley 2BFenner 2HBarnes 2AJoiner XMartin MMckerlie JFarley. Lakes Entrance: AWealandsK Grabham BThomson MStevens BEST:OrbostSnowy Rovers:FKleinitzARobinsonHBarnes JFarleyW Farley JBarnes Lakes Entrance: KGrabham C Ferris MStevens AStevens GIoakim SWisby LUCKNOW4.3 7.5 8.5 11.6 (72) PAYNESVILLE1.0 1.3 4.7 6.9 (45)

GOALS:Lucknow:C Southen 4NHarrison 2HAbraham BSaulle ABandiera LCroucherJ Southen. Paynesville: ZSmith 4C Wirken LWells BEST:Lucknow:BSaulle OPurcell NHarrison HAbraham SNoonan ABandiera Paynesville: DBoucher NTough ZSmith JMay OMolinaro HWirken LINDENOW DWYYUNG(FORFEIT) LADDER PW LD FA %Pts Lindenow9 80 0536 104 515.38 38 Orbost Snowy Rovers 9710 651 261 249.43 34

Entrance9 630 382 266 143.61 28 Boisdale Briagolong 96 30 446 331 134.74 28 Stratford 9450 266 499 53.31 20

360 421 537 78.4 16

21.6 8 Wy

standards and teams are graded around individual abilitiestoensure an even competition

With courts now lit with electricity that is made and stored onsite,SaleTennis Club can cater for up to 56 players per night, so get in early, bring as many friends as you can, and enjoy the fun.

Anyone who requires further details aboutnight pennants or to putyour name on permanent player lists (or the fill-in list) email theelms82@outlook.com or phone Karen Deschepper(Tuesday nights) on 0408517 000 or Robin Lowe (Thursday nights) on 0418 514 788.

Long Drop the latest touch premier

THE Sale Touch Association Grand Final was played on June 12 at Stephenson Park.

Long Drop defeated avaliant Porky’s team, nine tries to four. In the 15 rounds played, Long Drop led the competition for the first four rounds, with Shred Zeppelin then taking top spot until the final two rounds. It looked as though the finals were set to be playedoff by these two very professional teams, however things did not work out this way as was shown in the elimination finals when Shred Zeppelinand Mustangs forfeitedagainsttheir respective opponents Porky’sand Long Drop.

In the GrandFinal,Long Drop’s BrodieTowers opened the scoring after eightminutes of play and then captain Peter Hall scored fromapassfromJackNeesham. DaveRopeti scored halfway through this sessionofplay to get Porky’s on the scoreboard.

The unstoppable Towers then made arun to get his second score on the board. Zac Pattison used his speed to break throughthe line to record his first try of the game. At halftime, Long Drop led

Women’s bestand fairest, Rhiannon Massey

Photos: Contributed

four tries to one in avery even contest. Cam Stuart opened the scoring for Porkies in the second half. Hall then showed his skill, running through agap to add to Long Drop’s score.

The ever-reliable Ropeti then scored for Porky’s;howeverLong Drop was full of confidence, gettingthe nextfourtries.Itwas Pattison that ran down the side line to get the ball over the line.

Then it was the Towers Show, with him passing the ball to Hall who then went on to score; his next play saw him pass the ball to Pattisononce again scoring. The final act was to again pass the ball to Hall who did not let him

Kobe Parson won the Bryan Smith Memorial malebest and fairest awardinthe Sale Touch Association

down as another try was added to the score.

The final score of the night was made by Porky’s Taylah Ropeti following her 40 metre run from the halfway line. The top-scorer was Long Drop’s Hall with four tries. Pattison scored three and Towers two. Towers also contributed to three made by other players. Ropeti top-scored for Porky’s with two. Taylah Ropeti and Stuart each made one. Presentation night for the association followed.

The Bryan Smith Memorial male best-and-fairest award was won by 13-year-old Kobe Parson with13votes. Corey Siebelpolled

12 votes, with Brodie Towers and Cam Stuart both on 11. Brodie Towerswon the male try scoring competitionwith 25 tries. Kobe Parsons andSam Hicks each made 24. Cam Stuart made 23. Rhiannon Massey had a magnificentseason; she won the femalebest-and-fairest award with 17 votes, scoring in 10 of the 11 games she played. Shealso won the female try scoring award with16tries; made in nineofher games. The male encouragement award was won by six-year-old, yes six-year-old, Elija Siebel, while the female award was won by Erin McKelvie. At the recentSale Touch Knockout, the referees nominate aplayer from the Sunday’s social mixed division as aperson that epitomises true sportsmanship. The winner of the Laurie Smyth Perpetual Trophy was awarded to 18-year-old Jade Parsons. Touch will now go into recess until Wednesday, July 24 when anew seasonwill commence with the Grand Final scheduled to be held on Wednesday, November 27.

New individual players and teams are invited to nominate by phoning Laurie on 0419132 824 for details

Reeves set for challenge

Liam Durkin

STRATFORD professionalboxer Max Reeveshas hisnext fight this Saturday (June 29).

It is set to be the biggest challenge in his short career, taking on Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Youth World Light Heavyweight Title.

The New Zealand-born Tongotongo presents a seriouslyintimidatingopponent,havingwon all seven of his starting fights by knockout.

He took just 45 seconds to win his first professional fight back in 2022, while his previous bout saw him floor countryman Tyson Turner in just under two minutes.

By contrast, while ‘Mad Max’ Reeves is also unbeaten from11fights, two have beenby knockout, four by technical knockout and three by unanimous decision (two have been called off due to accidental head clashes).

Reeves’ upcoming fightisagain being run through Wildfighter Boxing, the brainchild of former Bairnsdale resident and professional boxer turned promoter, Will Tomlinson.

Tomlinson has put together one of his biggest cards yet, with 12 fights set for thisSaturday night in Melbourne.

‘Wildfigther Fury’ will take place at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne’s Albert Park. For tickets, visit www.wildfighter.com.au

Reeves is managed by Dylan Bolton, afamiliar face to many in local football and cricket circles.

LaurieSmyth

TuesdayNight pennant runners-up the ‘Bowler Hats’ Kyung Stewart, JessMassey, Russell Heathcote (filling in forSharyn Treasure) and ScottWilkinson, alongside winners NarelleAlexander,Cheryl Eddy,Damien Theobald andCijoKuriakose from team ‘Fascinators’.

Photo: Robin Lowe

Fivewins on the trot forSwans

Blake Metcalf-Holt,Erika Allen

ROUND 11 of Gippsland League netball may not have wielded the results to describe it as the best we’ve seen this year, but what it did do was reconfirm the most dangerous sides.

Drouin were not abouttoworkthemselves into a gameagainst the bottom-placed side in the competition, quite the opposite, dishing out 43 to 17 start. They buried Maffra's chances, and with afinal quarter of 25-12, the Hawks almostgot it to around 50-goal win away from home.

Drouin hadthree playersnotch more than 20 goals, including Stacie Gardiner (38), Charlize Traumanis (27), and Karina Proctor (20), while Maffra had Keisha Jackson with ateam-high 24.

Wonthaggi finished the round inside finals position after a60-35 takedown of Sale.

ThePower scored in bunches at every term on their home court, including an 18-5 start.

Wonthaggi’s ChelseaBowman continued her stellar season with 33 goals, alongside Courtney Brann with 27 while Kate Van der Voort had 24 goals for Sale.

For their eleventhconsecutive win thisyear, Moe showed no mercy to ahopefulLeongatha, as the Lions stormed home 76-45 winners at Ted Summerton.

In one of their best starts for the year, Moe piled on 41 goals in the opening half to the Parrots' 23, and more or less kept that same pace all the way to the finish line. The reigning premier now sits two games clear from Drouin, while Leongatha sits at seventh-place with a4-7 win-loss record; two games back from finals.

Ramayer Gourley is on the hottestofstreaks, with better than 43 goals in herlastthree matches (including 49 goals at the weekend) along with 27 goals from Georgia Moody.

Leongatha wasled by AudreyMcGannonwith 30 goals and Mikaeli Hilliar with 14.

Warragul held onto atop-three position after a 66-51 victory over Traralgon.

The Gulls would have expecteda hot contest early, with Traralgon’s impressive three-goal win over Bairnsdale in Round 10 and adraw to Morwell the week before fresh in their minds.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 11

Warragul however, at home, led 31-24 at halftime.

The Gulls asserted themselves most prominently in the third quarter with agame-high 19 goals.

Emma Ryde continued asensational season with 63 goals in the match. Ryde leads the league goal shooting by more than 50 goals from second-placed Gourley (Moe) despite playing one less game than everyone else.

Sophie Lecchino (27 goals) and Grace Van Tilburg (21)worked hand-in-hand, whilst StaceyJacobsen impressed through centre court to collect best-oncourt honours for the Maroons.

Morwell’s door appears almost shut completely this season following a67-41 loss to Bairnsdale on the road.

The Redlegs held asafedistance on the Tigers following astrong first half that had them up 11 goals, and then damagecontinued includingan 18-8 final quarter to stamp the win.

Bairnsdale’s Anna Mooney had 39 goals, supported by Sally Deller’s 28 while TiffanyBoatman led the Tigers with 27.

The Redlegsnow keep themselvesinthe hunt between Traralgon and Wonthaggi for fourth and fifth spots by season’s end.

 FOLLOWING Round 10 of North Gippsland netball, the top five has almost been etched, with the most competitive sides clinching needed results to keep near undefeated Sale City, who rested with the bye at the weekend.

Netball scoreboard

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 10

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 10

Traralgon Tyers Unitedwithstood an up-andabout Yallourn Yallourn North, winning 40 to 30 at Tyers.

Heyfielddefeated Cowwarr, 55-29inthe Pride Game at Gordon Street Reserve. The Kangaroos now with awin-loss record of 8-1, while Cowwar is scrambling for alatefinals push at 3-6 in eighth position on theladder.

Woodsidemadeshort work of Gormandale,winning 72-42 at Tigerland, to put the Wildcats firmly into fourth position on the ladder.

Churchilllooked as impressiveasever defeating Glengarry, 62-33 at Gaskin Park to create aclear top-three between themselves, Heyfield and Sale City allwitheight wins on the year,whilstthe Magpies sit two games back off fifth spot at 3-6. Rosedale wipedclean of winless Yarram, 69-29 at Yarram, to keep the Blues withinstrikingdistance of finals at 4-5.

 STRATFORD is undoubtedly the in-form team in East Gippsland netball, with five wins from the same number of rounds.

The first win that set the Swans on their winning streak was atriumphant 11-goal win over ladder leader Lucknow in Round 6. On Saturday, Stratford bookended the first half of the season with a spectacular three-goal victory over Avon River rivals, Boisdale-Briagolong.

Intensity and desperation to score increased for the Bombers, who were chasing the Swans’ tails.

Rachel Weatherley tried to reduce the close margin in goals just as her sister Elly pressured Stratford’s goal shooters such as Skyla White. At thesound of the final siren, barely heard over theloudcheers of the crowd, the scoreboard read 45-42.

The Bombers had fallen short and the Swans couldbreathe easy.The win for Stratford brings the match-up to one win apiece with the teams’ final regular season clash to come in Round 16.

The weekend’s results saw no change at the top of the ladder, as the travelling Lucknow thrashed Paynesville 80-15. Another convincing win which held Wy Yung second from the top and just above Stratford on the ladder came for the Tigers on their home court against Lindenow, 61-39. Elsewhere, Orbost Snowy Rovers were another high-scoring winner on their home court, beating Lakes Entrance 61-47.

AGRADE: Drouin 85 def Maffra 36, Bairnsdale 67 def Morell 41,Warragul 66 def Traralgon 51,Wonthaggi 60 def Sale 35, Moe 76 def Leongatha 45.

BGRADE:Drouin 78 defMaffra 36, Morwell 40 def Bairnsdale 39, Traralgon 59 def Warragul 53, Wonthaggi 38 def Sale 34, Moe 46 def Leongatha 40. CGRADE:Drouin47def Maffra 40, Morwell 45 def Bairnsdale 33, Traralgon 47 def Warragul24, Wonthaggi 36 def Sale 19,Leongatha 36 def Moe 18 17 AND UNDER:Drouin 39 def Maffra34, Bairnsdale61 def Morwell 28, Traralgon 62 def Warragul 19,Sale 41 def Wonthaggi 25, Leongatha 50 def Moe 21 15 AND UNDER:Drouin 43 def Maffra 36, Bairnsdale 52 def Morwell 20, Traralgon 66 def Warragul 14,Sale 55 def Wonthaggi 22, Moe 47 def Leongatha 30. 13 AND UNDER:Maffra49def Drouin 17,Bairnsdale

42 def Morwell 10,Traralgon 52 def Warragul 2, Sale 52 def Wonthaggi 2, Leongatha 35 def Moe 28.

A GRADE: TTU 40 def YYN 30, Heyfield 55 def Cowwarr 29,Woodside 72 def Gormandale 43, Rosedale 69 def Yarram 29, Churchill 62 def Glengarry33, Sale City -BYE. BGRADE:YYN 46 def TTU33, Heyfield 51 defCowwarr 26, Woodside 68 def Gormandale 43, Rosedale 52 def Yarram 39, Churchill 40 drew Glengarry 40, Sale City -BYE.

CGRADE:TTU 57 def YYN 28, Heyfield 23 def Cowwarr 19,Woodside 56 def Gormandale 24, Rosedale 40 def Yarram 37,Churchill 35 def Glengarry28, Sale City -BYE.

DGRADE:TTU 43 def YYN 39, Cowwarr 35 def Heyfield 22, Woodside49def Gormandale 22,Rosedale39def Yarram 15,Churchill 27 def Glengarry21, Sale City -BYE.

17 ANDUNDER:TTU 42 def YYN 11,Heyfield 68 def Cowwarr 4, Woodside 28 def Gormandale 19,Rosedale 62 def Yarram 7, Churchill 27 def Glengarry 26, Sale City -BYE.

15 ANDUNDER:TTU 58 def YYN 13,Heyfield 63 def Cowwarr 4, Woodside28def Gormandale 15,Rosedale 53 def Yarram 3, Glengarry 31 def Churchill 24, Sale City -BYE.

AGRADE: Stratford45def Boisdale-Briagolong 42, Orbost SnowyRovers61LakesEntrance 47,WyYung 61 defLindenow39, Lucknow 80 def Paynesville 15

BGRADE:Lucknow 68 def Paynesville 18,Orbost Snowy Rovers41def Lakes Entrance 36, Boisdale-Briagolong 45 def Stratford20, Wy Yung 37 def Lindenow 32.

CGRADE:Boisdale-Briagolong 29 def Stratford16, Orbost SnowyRovers31def Lakes Entrance 25, Wy Yung 39 def Lindenow 30, Lucknow 48 def Paynesville 12 DGRADE:WyYung 41 def Lindenow 17,BoisdaleBriagolong 56 def Stratford20, Lucknow 48 def Paynesville 10,Lakes Entrance 28 def Orbost Snowy Rovers15.

17 AND UNDER:Boisdale-Briagolong 59 def Stratford 20, Lucknow 68 def Paynesville 6, Lakes Entrance 39 def Orbost SnowyRovers30, Wy Yung vLindenow (no scoresupplied).

15 ANDUNDER:Lucknow 47 def Paynesville 28, Orbost SnowyRovers48def LakesEntrance29, Stratford 33 def Boisdale-Briagolong 17,Lindenow 56 def Wy Yung 24.

Mahli Stothers in actionfor Sale at the weekend.

Photo: Tayla Kershaw-Thomas(South Gippsland Sentinel Times)

ALL OF THE LIGHTS

Sale Tennis Club recentlyconcluded another season of night pennant. The club reportedan increase in team numbersfor its Tuesdayand Thursdaynight sessions. MORE -PAGE30

Bombersgogame clear of Swans

Blake Metcalf-Holt

ROUND 10 of East Gippsland footballsaw the premier sides of the competition begin to break away from the tide -ifthey hadn't already. Lucknow, Wy Yungand Boisdale Briagolong can start to look past home-and-away action.

The Bombers won the local derby at the weekend, beating Stratford in the traditional Avon Battle.  IN what could have cemented Stratford’s place in the top four, the Bombers proved once again they are too well equipped to be dismantled at full health.

Boisdale Briagolong, at home, was too strong, winning 16.18 (114) to 12.6 (78).When you are conceding 11 scoring shots for six goalsand 41 points to one major in the first quarter, all signs point to along day.

The scoreboard evened itself out for the second quarter alone,but the Swans still foundthemselves down by 39 points at the halftime siren.

Stratford just could not seemtomatch pace with the finely attunedengine that is theBoisdale Briagolong, and the Bombers forwards were doing anumberonthe Swans backs as soon as the ball came within region.

All in all, despite matching scoring pace for much of the second half, Boisdale Briagolong dominated inside theirforward 50, putting up as manybehind as Stratford did total scoring shots by the end of the day’s outing.

Three Bombers players kicked four-plusgoals, including coach Sam Bedggood, Tom Jollyand Jim Reeves, accompanied by two goals from Cal Egan.

Their best for the day included Jolly patrolling alonghalf-forward, Brodon Kewish, Kel Porter, Bedggood, Shaymus Wain and Reeves.

Stratford had Rodney O’Keefe, Thomas Schacht, DeclanScrivenand William Webb all with two goals, whileFloyd Fulton, Alex Morcom, Harry Langford, Nathan French and James Channing featured in their best.

Boisdale Briagolong keep themselves neck-andneck with Wy Yung on the ladder, while Statrford keep themselves in hot water only agame ahead of Orbost Snowy Rovers for the last available spot in finals.

 DESPITE finishing 52-point winners, OSR spectators still got their money’s worth, defeating Lakes Entrance 19.11 (125) to 10.13 (73).

TheSeagulls ultimatelywerecoming up against abetterand hungrier opponent, who are hunting afinals berth.

Still, Lakes Entrance gave the bestthey could at LochielStreet, even in limited time, only down by two goals at quartertimeand alittle over three

goals at halftime. That was, however, the best the Seagullscouldoffer in the end, only managing eight points in the quarter proceeding the halftime break, with the Blues booting 10 goals to four the rest of the way.

Hamish Nettleton had himself aday with eight goals for OSR,while league-leadinggoal kicker, Thomas Hudson had five on the board for Lakes Entrance.

 THE last two matches of the round weren’t all that fun, with the top-two sides of the competition going against two of the worst.

LucknowblewPaynesville away, 21.13 (139) to 3.8 (26) and Wy Yung put Lindenow to work, winning 24.13 (157) to 6.2 (38).

Marcus Savage kicked six goals for the Tigers at home, while the Magpies had six multiple goal scorers against the Gulls away from their base. East Gippy Scoreboard- Page 30